CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE DESTINATION NSW CEO

Sydney

On behalf of the Destination NSW Board and team, I would like to thank everyone in the visitor economy of our great state for their support, encouragement and outstanding commitment in 2022.

It has been a milestone year for NSW full of wins, challenges and opportunities as we worked together to build back better during the recovery phase of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030.

Major highlights have included the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, managed by Destination NSW, which is forecast to give a $142 million boost to the visitor economy over summer through 280,000 additional inbound airline seats.

Destination NSW also recently announced $2.5 million in Experience Development Fund grants for 18 projects ranging from wildlife encounters to food and wine activities and wellness retreats in Greater Sydney and regional NSW.

Sydney’s 2022-2023 event calendar is heating up too, thanks to our agency’s support. It currently includes 84 major events and is forecast to deliver over $500 million in visitor expenditure for NSW. They include Noël Sydney, a new Christmas celebration that is lighting up the Royal Botanic Gardens from 9–24 December 2022.

It is also shaping up to be an exciting summer for the regional NSW events calendar, with the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival and Parkes Elvis Festival in January, followed by the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst in February.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of the Destination NSW team. Last week, the agency held its first-ever End of Year Recognition Awards ceremony, which honoured six outstanding staff members.

The award categories have been aligned to the agency’s values – Ownership, Collaboration, Passion, Agility, Respect and Excellence - to embrace and showcase positive ways of working.

Congratulations to Elliot Constable, Rachael Hayes, Kylie-Jane Menzies, Douglas Martin, Adrian Tamone and Nora Ortiz on winning the awards and to all 62 deserving nominees.

I am awed by the dedication shown by every member of the Destination NSW team in delivering amazing outcomes for the people of NSW.

Best wishes for the holidays and I hope you have a safe and joyous festive season.

Steve Cox, Destination NSW CEO

*Source: Destination NSW