SYDNEY AND COFFS TAKE OUT MAJOR EVENT AWARDS

DNSW's Irene Morgan (centre) accepts one of the IFEA Awards

New South Wales has once again been recognised as Australia’s home of major events, with Sydney and Coffs Harbour taking out titles for the International Festivals & Events Association’s (IFEA) 2019 World Festival and Event City Awards.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the awards were given to cities around the world that embrace and understand the importance of festivals and events in driving tremendous economic and social growth.

“This award speaks to strength of the NSW Government’s major events strategy and acclaimed reputation for delivering world-class event experiences. It reinforces that our work throughout regional and metropolitan areas is second to none and we remain committed to ensuring every corner of the State continues to thrive.

“This is the ninth time Sydney has won this accolade as a World Festival and Event City and is the only global destination to have received this award annually since its inception,” Mr Ayres said.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh reiterated the significance of the win for the regional city against some of the world’s most iconic tourism destinations.

“Coffs Harbour continues to go from strength to strength and to be recognised for the fifth year in a row, amongst the likes of Sydney, Dubai and Moscow, demonstrates that our events and festival offering is nothing short of world-class!” Mr Singh said.

In addition to claiming two major IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards Sydney and Coffs Harbour, Destination NSW has also received 10 Pinnacle Awards in multiple categories for its creativity and excellence surrounding Vivid Sydney.

For more information on the IFEA World Festival and Event City Awards, see here.