Industry news

Sydney scoops two awards in two weeks

Sydney has recently been voted Best Festival and Event City for the second year in a row, and voted number 1 city in The Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards.

New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris commented that winning these awards demonstrates Sydney’s position as a world leading destination and the gateway to Australia.

"By definition, this makes us Australia’s leading tourism and events city and will help the Government in its quest to restore NSW to its position as the nation’s premiere state," Mr Souris said.

As Lyn Lewis-Smith, Acting CEO of Business Events Sydney adds "These awards are a fantastic achievement for the city and once again prove that Sydney is a true global leader. Our city’s world-class events and festivals are drawcards for the business events sector. They contribute to the vibrant and dynamic culture that’s key to attracting international delegates to conventions, corporate meetings and incentive programs that we win for the city and the State."

Have your say on the future of tourism and events in NSW

Would you like to contribute to the future shape of the NSW tourism and events visitor economy?

The NSW Visitor Economy Taskforce forum is online and open for feedback.

Visit http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/iap and participate in the forum or make a formal submission. Information on the work of the Taskforce can also be also found here.

The industry-led Visitor Economy Taskforce was established by the NSW Government to develop a Tourism and Events strategy to double tourism expenditure in NSW by 2020. Growing business events and tourism will be key to achieving this target.

The Taskforce is chaired by Russell Balding AO, who is joined by John King OAM, the Hon Bruce Baird AM and Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NSW.

The Taskforce’s Terms of Reference range across areas of both demand and supply and your views and ideas for action are sought in key areas of impact.

The Star lights up the night sky

Sydney’s new one-of-a-kind entertainment venue, The Star, along with the newest 5-star hotel 'The Darling' opened in a star studded event, with Australian entertainment superstars Olivia Newton John and Russell Crowe as well as international celebrities.

Simon Shaw, Head of Stakeholder Relationships at Business Events Sydney was also invited and he was impressed with the venue."Glamour, style, celebrities, atmosphere, food and wine. Leonardo Dicaprio introduced a live performance from Stevie Wonder, to having the privileged of attending the first event held in ‘The Darling’. If last night is any gauge of what’s to come, Sydney, and our international guests, are set for a new benchmark".

The $870 million transformation of Star City includes the re-orientation of the building to embrace Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Once complete, The Star will boast more than 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, a new luxury boutique hotel, 16-room spa, upscale retail collection, a 4,000 capacity entertainment centre and upscaled gaming areas.

Other venues scheduled to open in early 2012 and 2013 include an international nightclub and a $100 million events centre which will be able to host A-list performers in intimate concert settings, conferences, exhibitions and 1,500 seat banquet functions.

EAT LOVE PIZZA open for business

Eat Love Pizza, Dockside Group’s exciting new restaurant located on the ground floor of the IMAX Theatre in Darling Harbour is now open.

Serving traditional gourmet pizzas, pastas and mezze plates the restaurant has received a positive response from customers praising the quality of the food, mouthwatering pizzas and warm welcoming atmosphere. With a menu offering a range of delicious options such as southern European sharing platters, pork belly pizza and three mushroom ravioli, Eat Love Pizza aims to leave its patrons satisfied every time.

Visit the Eat Love Pizza table and experience the pizza’s you love to eat in this new, fun and hip restaurant. For more information visit the website www.eatlovepizza.com.au

Hot Chocolate anyone?

Australia’s leading food experience company, VictorsFood, has launched its new chocolate group cooking experience ‘Hot Chocolate’.

VictorsFood Director Victor Pisapia says, "We love the way that cooking and eating together builds bonds between people. And people love chocolate. So, it seemed natural to bring them together in a hands-on cooking event for our corporate clients. Teams get to learn about chocolate, and work together to make and enjoy a number of chocolate delights, with enough to take home, or back to the office—if they get that far. When you talk about incentives, it’s hard to go past chocolate".

Pisapia adds, "like all of our events, ‘Hot Chocolate’ suits any sized group, anywhere, so we can do this event with teams across Australia".

Hot Chocolate with VictorsFood
Australia’s leading food experience company, VictorsFood, has launched its new chocolate group cooking experience ‘Hot Chocolate’.