SEA LIFE Sydney invites you to book in advance and revel in #jola aka the joy of looking aheadCredit: SEA LIFE Sydney
SEA LIFE Sydney staff look forward to welcoming visitors back soon and encourage consumers to book in advance and revel in #jola - the joy of looking ahead.
#ilovesydney
Book ahead and experience #jola
SEA LIFE Sydney invites you to book in advance and revel in #jola aka the joy of looking ahead Credit: SEA LIFE Sydney
#ilovesydney
The Sydney Visitor Collective, made up of industry leaders such as Sydney Opera House, BridgeClimb Sydney, Taronga Zoo Sydney and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium hope to use #jola to inspire those of us in NSW and beyond to get excited about what’s ahead, in order to revitalise both our souls and Sydney’s economy.
The #jola phenomenon, originally born out of the UK’s COVID-19 crisis and subsequent lockdowns, allows us to remain optimistic and focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. And it seems those of us in lockdown across Australia, particularly NSW, have the #jola feeling in droves – research from Tourism Australia has indicated that more than half (56 per cent) of those surveyed in NSW are starting to dream or actively research their next trip, whereby the Sydney Visitor Collective is encouraging that trip to be into our harbour city for a staycation or day out.
“To get your hit of #jola is quite simple,” says Ian Wood, Regional GM, Merlin Entertainments: “Our message from the Sydney Visitor Collective is to book ahead.”
Wood continues: “After another difficult year with limited entertainment, people are getting excited about a safe summer of fun. As we set our sights on more freedoms, I think we can all agree that there’s a lot to be said for having something to look forward to, and that’s what we’ve all missed throughout this tough period.
“We are already seeing signs of pent-up demand – our Merlin Annual Pass sales have been encouraging despite attractions being closed, and forward bookings into Oct and November are strong, suggesting that #jola is alive and well within the community. We are also encouraged by the fact that consumer confidence in Sydney is expected to outpace other cities due to NSW being way ahead of the national vaccination rate average.
“With flexible booking conditions, why wouldn’t you book in that next staycation, harbour cruise or trip to the aquarium to experience the joy of looking ahead? Whether it be late Oct when we all reopen, Nov, Dec, or beyond, get it in the diary now!”
Taronga Zoo Sydney invites you to book in advance and revel in #jola aka the joy of looking ahead Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney
Australian zookeeper Hayden Turner looks forward to welcoming visitors back to Taronga Zoo Sydney soon and encourage consumers to book in advance and revel in #jola - the joy of looking ahead.
#ilovesydney
Taronga Zoo Sydney invites you to book in advance and revel in #jola aka the joy of looking ahead Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney
Australian zookeeper Hayden Turner looks forward to welcoming visitors back to Taronga Zoo Sydney soon and encourage consumers to book in advance and revel in #jola - the joy of looking ahead.
My Fast Ferries invite you to book in advance and revel in #jola aka the joy of looking ahead Credit: My Fast Ferries
My Fast Ferries staff look forward to welcoming visitors back soon and encourage consumers to book in advance and revel in #jola - the joy of looking ahead.
#ilovesydney
My Fast Ferries invite you to book in advance and revel in #jola aka the joy of looking ahead Credit: My Fast Ferries
My Fast Ferries staff look forward to welcoming visitors back soon and encourage consumers to book in advance and revel in #jola - the joy of looking ahead.
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney said the community had much to look forward to in the months ahead as Sydney and NSW reopened. “There is nothing like a visit to Sydney to admire the spectacular natural beauty of the Harbour, soak up the atmosphere of our restaurant and bar scene, relax into the hotel life and up the ante by enjoying the unique experiences our tourism operators have to offer. If it’s your first time or your 50th, visitors always find something to love about life in the Harbour City, so why not start planning that next adventure right now?” Mr Ayres said.
Throwing her support behind this campaign is Lord Mayor Clover Moore who says; “As vaccine rates rise and we cautiously look beyond the pandemic, I encourage everyone to experience the joy of looking ahead – get behind our local Sydney tourism businesses and start planning your next adventure!
“The physical distancing measures required to save lives and prevent another devastating outbreak of Covid-19 have had a huge impact on the livelihoods of many in our community. This is especially true for hospitality and tourism businesses, as venues were capped, people began working from home and travel ground to a halt.
“Sydney hosts an array of some the world's very best tourism attractions and experiences and now’s a great time to revisit or discover them for the first time. Support post-pandemic recovery by booking ahead, as we start to reopen this wonderful city.”
Nick Lester, GM of Captain Cook Cruises says: “Pre-booking your tickets is a win-win; you will get you your hit of #jola and it will certainly help support Sydney’s tourism industry which has been devastated by ongoing closures, capacity restrictions and reduced consumer confidence. Some tourism businesses have been trading on less than 10 per cent of normal trading revenue for over 18 months”.
David Hammon, BridgeClimb CEO says: “Now is the time to book your day or weekend out in Sydney’s CBD to help support the businesses that people know and love. Here at BridgeClimb we have lots of new climb experiences, fully flexible booking terms and special offers alongside the same world class climb leaders and views we are known for. I’d suggest making a weekend out of it and pairing it up a cruise around the harbour, going on a staycation and sipping cocktails in a hotel or trying out the new rides at Luna Park. All our venues are operating safely, and we can’t wait to welcome those looking for a day out in the CBD this summer, making use of those Dine and Discover vouchers where you can”.
The Sydney Visitor Collective, which also includes members such as Captain Cook Cruises, TFE Hotels, Accor Hotels, NRMA Marine Division (MyFastFerry and Fantasea), Luna Park Sydney, National Maritime Museum, Big Bus, City of Sydney and ATEC are looking forward to delivering world class entertainment and good times to locals this spring/summer period.
Sydneysiders and beyond can show their love and support of their incredible world class city by booking ahead on Sydney.com to experience a local attraction, restaurant, cruise or accommodation in Oct, Nov and into summer. They are also encouraged to share their favourite Sydney travel images on social media and using the hashtag #jola and #ilovesydney.
More News
Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: Destination NSW
The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.
Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.
Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.
“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.
“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.
“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.
“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.
“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.
“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”
The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.
Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.
This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.
While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.
“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”
Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.
“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”
Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.
“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park. The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.
“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”
Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.
“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”
“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.
“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com