Destination Download – November 2024

Welcome to November’s Destination Download!

We’re thrilled to announce even more industry workshops happening later this month! In partnership with the Raising the Bar Foundation, we’re bringing you a series of Healthier Hospitalities workshops across the region, designed to boost employee well-being and strengthen workplace culture.

In other exciting news, the NSW Tourism Awards finalists have been announced, with a number of fantastic entries from our region! Congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted. Keep scrolling to see the full list of finalists from the DSSS region, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions.

In this edition:

News & Announcements

NSW Tourism Awards Finalists Announced

A huge congratulations to the following finalists from the DSSS region! The winners will be revealed at the gala dinner on Thursday, November 28th—best of luck to all!

  • Symbio Wildlife Park
  • Amaroo Valley Springs
  • Holiday Haven Lake Conjola
  • Mt Hay Retreat
  • Cupitt’s Estate
  • Tasman Holiday Parks Racecourse Beach
  • Destination Sydney Surrounds South – South Coast Centre of Excellence
Check out the full list of finalists

Tourism Snapshot – The Value of the Visitor Economy to DSSS

$199 Million Boost for Regional EV Charging – Register Your Site to Attract More Visitors and Drive Business Growth


The NSW Government is investing $199 million in growing the EV charging network across NSW and calling for regional businesses and councils to register their interest to host electric vehicle (EV) chargers.  These sites may then be considered by EV charging companies to install chargers in regional areas with Government co-funding. 
 
Did you know that NSW EV ownership increased by 83% over the previous financial year? Sites that provide convenient charging options in regional NSW are well-positioned to attract more customers, enhance tourism presence and stand out from the competition. EV drivers plan their trips around charging stops, using them as opportunities to rest, eat, or explore.
 
Minimal effort, maximum benefit 
Many sites in regional NSW may hesitate to install an EV charger due to costs or complexity concerns. However, by registering interest to host a charger at their site, if selected, an EV charging company will manage the installation, operation and maintenance of the charger for them.  All they need to do is provide parking spaces and access. This setup allows them to offer a valuable service to attract EV drivers with minimal disruption to their operations.
 
How it works
Businesses and local councils are encouraged to submit an obligation-free site host expression of interest form. The NSW Government may provide information collected to EV charging companies looking for locations to install chargers in regional NSW with the help of our funding.

Learn More

Business & Skills Development, Resources, Events

Happening This Month: FREE Hospitality Workplace Mental Health Workshops

DSSS is excited to partner with Raising the Bar Foundation on the roll out of the Healthier Hospitality program.
 
Healthier Hospitality provides the knowledge, tools, and resources to help staff recognise signs of mental illness, manage stress, and communicate better about mental health issues. By addressing these challenges head-on, we not only improve the wellbeing of employees but also improve overall workplace productivity and culture.
 
The program will also help businesses become compliant with the Code of Practice regarding Psychosocial hazards set by SafeWork NSW.
 
What your staff will take away

  • The knowledge to identify signs and symptoms of mental illness early
  • Practical tools for discussing mental health issues
  • Strategies to create safer, healthier work conditions, reducing psychosocial risks and preventing workplace injuries
  • Effective stress management techniques
  • Practices that enhance personal wellbeing
  • Effective control strategies to identify and address psychosocial risks in the workplace 


Wollongong Workshop
Date: Monday 25th November
Location: City Diggers
Time: 9am – 10:30am
REGISTER HERE

Shellharbour Workshop
Date: Monday 25th November
Location: Shellharbour Civic Centre
Time: 11:30am – 1pm
REGISTER HERE

Kiama Workshop
Date: Monday 25th November
Location: Kiama Leagues Club
Time: 2:30pm – 4pm
REGISTER HERE

Nowra Workshop
Date: Tuesday 26th November
Location: The Ex Servos
Time: 9am – 10:30am
REGISTER HERE

Huskisson Workshop
Date: Tuesday 26th November
Location: The Country Club St Georges Basin
Time: 12pm – 1:30pm
REGISTER HERE

Sussex Inlet Workshop
Date: Tuesday 26th November
Location: Sussex Inlet Neighbourhood Centre
Time: 3:30pm – 5pm
REGISTER HERE

Ulladulla Workshop
Date: Wednesday 27th November
Location: Ulladulla Civic Centre
Time: 9am – 10:30am
REGISTER HERE

Moss Vale Workshop
Date: Wednesday 27th November
Location: Moss Vale Services Club
Time: 1:30pm – 3pm
REGISTER HERE

Bowral Workshop
Date: Wednesday 27th November
Location: Mittagong RSL Club
Time: 4:30pm – 6pm
REGISTER HERE

Image Credit: NSW Small Business Commission

Free Regional Workshops to Support Small Businesses

Destination Kiama are thrilled to offer a series of FREE workshops designed to help you and your business thrive. Don’t miss out—RSVP for a workshop today!

Register Now

Industry Insights

Accommodation Revenue and Yield Management Review Workshop

Destination North Coast recently held an online workshop on Accommodation, Revenue and Yield Management, which was very generously opened up to be available to all Destination Networks across NSW.

The information session was very insightful – anyone who missed the workshop is welcome to watch it below. 

 

Learn More

2023-24 Value of Cruise Tourism

The 2023-24 Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism was recently released, highlighting the industry’s contributions to Australia’s economy this past financial year. This comprehensive study, commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA), offers insights into the positive impacts of cruising across the country.

Learn More

Local Updates & New Product

Image: Kiama Coastal Walk, Credit: Dee Kramer Photography

Kiama Municipal Council is Seeking a Destination Marketing Lead

Kiama Municipal Council currently has an opportunity for a Tourism and Marketing Lead to join our Destination Kiama / Tourism and Events team on a temporary full-time basis.

In this role, you’ll get to work as part of the team to achieve economic and social benefits for our municipality by sustainably growing tourism and events. Specifically this role will manage, develop and deliver all marketing requirements of Council’s Tourism brand and effectively deliver the actions prescribed in the Tourism and Opportunities Plan (2018-2028) and Strategic Tourism and Events Plan (2022-2026).

Learn More
Image: Centennial Vineyards, Bowral, Credit: Destination NSW

Spotlight on the Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands was recently highlighted in Spice magazine, showcasing the region’s unique blend of tranquil beauty, modern attractions, and vibrant food and beverage scene. History buffs can dive into Australia’s cricket legacy at the Bradman Museum, while craft beer lovers will enjoy the artisanal brews from Eden Brewery and Southern Highlands Brewing. With its luxury accommodations, conference venues, and stunning natural landscapes, the Southern Highlands is the perfect choice for both leisure and business escapes.

Learn More

Grant & Funding Opportunities

Live Performance Venue Accelerator Program – Round 2 Closing Soon!

The Program features a series of skill-building workshops for existing small to medium hospitality venues in NSW. These workshops will equip participants with the essential knowledge needed to develop and sustain a long-term live performance program. 

The 7-week Program begins in February 2025. Applicants to the program are welcome from across the state. Up to 30 eligible hospitality venues from across NSW will be selected to participate. 

Applications close 4 November 2024

Apply Now
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Don’t forget between our updates you’ll find us on the socials – head over to follow us on LinkedIn and you’ll also find us on Instagram. We also encourage you to share our updates with your networks, simply forward this email and they can register here.

Talk soon,
The DSSS team