An injection of $85 million of State Government funding into major events promises to kick-start NSW’s stalled tourism industry, according to peak tourism industry group TTF Australia (Tourism & Transport Forum).
TTF Managing Director Christopher Brown said the announcements of funding and the appointment of John O’Neill as interim chair of a new Major Events Corporation had been eagerly awaited, following 12 months of lobbying from TTF Australia.
“NSW squandered a gold-medal opportunity to capitalise on the 2000 Olympics and has fallen behind other more aggressive states like Victoria,” Brown said.
“With some genuine funding and leadership, however, NSW is now back in the race on major events.”
“Events are a significant part of the tourism equation. The Government must continue this momentum by giving the same attention to tourism marketing.”
Brown said the challenge for the new Major Events Corporation was to build NSW’s competitive advantages as a host of major events.
“NSW has to find its own niche in the market for major events.
“Sydney is Australia’s only truly global city, and is the home of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks.”
“We also have outstanding facilities, such as the Olympic Park site at Homebush and the Moore Park precinct.”
“By targeting events that suit Sydney’s global profile, and aggressively promoting our competitive advantages, we can generate a world-class, sustainable events industry for the whole state.”
“This needs to be a calendar of events for the whole year round – leveraging existing events such as Mardi Gras, Autumn Carnival, Easter Show and Chinese New Year, and covering sports, arts, business and lifestyle events.”
“We should be supporting events that attract overseas participants and bring international visitors to NSW.”
“Sydney also needs a regular icon event, a Grand Prix or an Australian Open, to build its international presence.”
Brown said the shortage of high-quality conference space remained a constraint on the business events sector.
“The need for new conference and exhibition facilities is an urgent problem that the new regime will need to address.”
Report by The Mole
