Events Calendar to pump $500 million into NSW

16 October 16 2008

Premier Nathan Rees today announced the State's first ever Master Events Calendar which will generate more than $500 million annually in direct economic benefit to NSW.

Mr Rees said the calendar, developed by Events NSW, will provide a strong and enduring boost for the NSW economy driving tourism, attracting investment and creating jobs.

"It is a world class calendar that holds its own with that of any other city in the world," Mr Rees said.

"International cities like New York, London, Paris and Rome already have events calendars that help to attract major events and visitors to their cities every year.

"Our calendar sends a clear message to the international community that NSW is a world class destination capable of delivering fantastic events.

"The calendar also includes the biggest investment made to the convention and exhibition industry as NSW ups the ante on winning business events that provide the greatest economic return.

"It's a program that everyone across the State can be proud of and I encourage everyone to get along to some of these great events next year.

"The events cover the whole of Sydney and NSW, from Campbelltown to Newcastle, Parramatta to Paddington, and Kyogle to Corowa."

The calendar is a framework of many events held in NSW and is built around five recurring "Anchor" events held annually, including, Vivacity, the Autumn Racing Carnival, Vivid Sydney, Crave Sydney and the Australian Open Golf Championships.

The 2009 major festival season kicks off in January with Vivacity, Vivid Sydney will be launched in June and Crave Sydney to be held in October.

"Sydney has delivered some amazing one-off global events like the Olympics but it is events that take place 'same time, same place each year that will provide the backbone to an ongoing and successful events calendar for NSW," Mr Rees said

.

"The first festival next year - Vivacity - will bring together Sydney's summer events including our world renowned New Years Eve celebrations, the Sydney Festival, the New Years Day Cricket Test, Medibank Tennis International and the Chinese New Year.

"Vivid Sydney will include the new Smart Light Sydney light walk and the introduction of a new contemporary music and performing arts festival focused around the Sydney Opera House, and extending throughout the city.

"Crave Sydney will include a new look Sydney Morning Herald International Food Festival and introduce exciting new events like the outdoor visual arts exhibition based throughout the city and around the Harbour islands (called Island Hopping) and a potential new event - Breakfast on the Bridge."

Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said that it is critical that we make the best of the tourism opportunities that the NSW Master Events Calendar provides and increase the number of interstate and international visitors to Sydney and NSW.

"Tourism NSW is already working very closely with Events NSW to develop specific marketing campaigns around each of the five main events and a range of other key events in Sydney and regional NSW."

Events NSW Chairman John O'Neill AO said that what NSW had been lacking in the past was a consistent, cohesive and co-ordinated approach to events that was based upon return on investment.

"We now have an events investment plan that will deliver measurable economic,community and marketing benefits to the State. It provides the anchors and the framework for business, so we know what is on and when each year.

"It brings together all the key stakeholders - the City of Sydney, Department of State and Regional Development, NSW and Sydney Chambers of Commerce Transport and Tourism Forum and Tourism NSW, and event proponents - to work together towards a common goal."

Mr O'Neill said the calendar would also have a strong regional focus with investments in well-known regional events including the World Rally Championship, Tamworth Music Festival and Awards, the Byron Bay Bluesfest, Dungog Film Festival, and the Corowa Autofest and a specific regional events plan under development.

For more information go to the NSW Master Events Calendar website www.eventsnsw.com.au.