Tourism from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to Australia has increased exponentially over recent years. Now, Asia’s showing more ‘advance to Australia’ flair as readers choose Sydney as their destination of choice for 2017. We bring you travel tips, luxury hotel stays and lots more. We present an interview with SANDRA CHIPCHASE, Destination NSW C.E.O. By Joyce Tsui

A truly global city renowned for its coastal lifestyle, natural beauty, exciting events and exuberant spirit, Sydney’s physical allure and laidback outdoor lifestyle make it one of the most enjoyable cities in the world to visit.

Over recent years, the swell in the number of tourists from Greater China looking for the ‘Australia’ experience speaks volumes for the city that visitors find hard to leave.

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Its golden beaches, stunning picture-postcard-like harbor, iconic Opera House, award-winning botanical gardens, zoos make Sydney a model city more so for the kind and helpful nature of its people. Be ready for the trademark Aussie “Can I help you, mate?” question if people see you looking lost. Sydney, by day or night offers enchantment, lifestyle and at the same time, private space – catering to every kind of tourist. 

Only in Sydney

Sydney is the perfect place to play, with a wide range of fascinating tours and attractions that offer plenty of challenges, adventures, and chilled out ways to discover the harbour city. Climb to the top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb, see a live performance at the Sydney Opera House, or experience Australia’s premier indoor skydiving facility at iFLY Downunder in Western Sydney.

“Our city offers an exciting schedule of “only in Sydney” events including Vivid Sydney – the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. This spectacular festival showcases Sydney as a global hub of art, technology and innovation and is a serious driver of business for the State’s visitor economy, with a record 2.31 million people attending this year’s Vivid Sydney,” says Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NSW. 

“Other ‘only in Sydney’ events include the Sydney International Art Series – an event which brings the world’s most outstanding art exhibitions to Sydney, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – an awe-inspiring production against the striking backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Sevens, NRL Grand Final and the Mardi Gras Parade, just to name a few.”

The WOW Factor

In 2017, Sydney will host several major events including Sydney Chinese New Year Festival, Arsenal FC Sydney Tour, Australian Opening of Surfing, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Carmen, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Australian Badminton Open, the Australian debut of Beautiful – The Carol King Musical and the Vivid Sydney Festival, reveals Chipchase.

When it comes to luxury products, Sydney offers endless accommodation possibilities. From The Langham Sydney, Park Hyatt and InterContinental Double Bay to QT Bondi and Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel Whale Beach, the global city boasts a diverse range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and interests. Indulgent experiences can also be found just outside of Sydney including Pretty Beach House and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, and the list goes on!

Exciting new waterfront precincts and glamorous hotels have recently opened providing visitors with a whole new perspective of Sydney. Staying around the CBD means that you’re in the heart of the action, close to Sydney’s award-winning restaurants, bars and shopping districts and within reach of all modes of public transport.

China Market

“With our iconic attractions, world class arts, cultural and sporting events, award-winning hotels and cultural visitor experiences, Sydney and Regional NSW are the best prepared and most highly motivated markets to welcome visitors from China,” says Chipchase.

“In the year ended March 2016, visitors from China spent $2.6 billion in NSW. Destination NSW recognises the potential of this market and has a dedicated offices in China who undertake co-operative marketing campaigns with industry partners in-market including airlines, wholesalers, retailers and online travel agents to promote visitation to Sydney and Regional NSW.”

In 2015 Destination NSW launched a new China website which features Chi – na-ready products and destinations. Des – tination NSW will continue to capitalise on the diverse opportunities on offer in China to increase visitors to ensure that NSW secures substantial market share and harnesses the potential of the China market.” 

“With our iconic attractions, world class arts, cultural and sporting events, award-winning hotels and cultural visitor experiences, Sydney and Regional NSW are the best prepared and most highly motivated markets to welcome visitors from China.”

G’day Mate!

“Australia’s friendliness to all visitors are best reflected in the number of repeat tourists we happily receive. Sydney offers that holistic experience where you get to see parts of the old and the new, enjoy the outback lifestyle and savour the modern just the same. As a city, we are home to so many cultures that it is relatively easy to cater to a wide range of cultural tastes and in turn, exceed expectations. Our website serves as an excellent portal for information on Syd – ney and we do look forward to welcom – ing our friends from all across the world to this most fascinating city,” concludes Chipchase.

For additional information, please visit www.destinationnsw.com.au

photo courtesy: Destination NSW

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