An Event-full Year Ahead For Nsw Tourism

An Event-Full Year Aheas for NSW Tourism

The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) today congratulated the NSW Government and Events NSW on the launch of the 2010 NSW Master Events Calendar expected to deliver $500 million to the State's economy.

The last 12 months have been among the toughest for the NSW tourism industry, but the NSW Master Events Calendar provides the industry with confidence that better times could be just around the corner.

TTF Executive Director Brett Gale said events can play a big part in building sustainable tourism growth.

"Events are big drawcards for tourists," Mr Gale said, "and generate significant economic activity."

A new feature of the calendar will be a week-long Indian Festival in Parramatta called 'Parramasala' the Australian Festival of South Asian Arts.

The Parramasala festival follows the NSW Government's plan to establish a round-table of Ministers, agencies and Indian leaders to respond to recent issues affecting international students and the Indian community.

Along with the new event for 2010, Mr Gale said using anchor events like Vivid Sydney, Crave Sydney and Vivacity New Year in Sydney is a tried and true strategy.

"Events NSW is hitting the right notes in using a calendar like this to provide consistent attractions throughout the year and to allow tourists and Sydneysiders alike to plan their activity through the year.

"Once established, events become part of the fabric of a city and contribute to their overall branding.

"The calendar will also encourage day visitation, enticing Sydneysiders to get out of their homes and experience something new."

Mr Gale said from industry's point of view, the other key aspect of an Events Calendar is its capacity to drive visitation during off peak periods.

"Vivid Sydney will entice people to come to Sydney during what is traditionally a quiet time of year.

"It makes good sense to work extra hard to drive tourism during shoulder periods as this is making the best use of the infrastructure and accommodation we have available."

Premier Keneally also announced the launch of a new consumer-facing events website, www.eventssydney.com, a place to discover and share events and express opinions.



Media contact: Euan Robertson 0419 771193


SOURCE: Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF)