Big Appetite? Visit the Sydney International Food Festival

After months of brisk winter weather, Sydney welcomes spring with open arms throughout the month of October by hosting the internationally acclaimed Crave Food Festival- the perfect dawn on a summer season ready to rise over Australia's biggest city. According to DialAFlight, one of the UK's leading travel operators, there's still time to book cheap flights to Sydney and join in the festivities- however you'll have to hurry.

Always popular within the local community and visiting tourists alike, the festival annually draws thousands of food lovers to its vast range of stalls, bars and specially organised events. This year's festival has so far lived up to its high expectations, with hundreds of extraordinary food events taking place across much of Sydney and the wider New South Wales region.

But there's still so much more to come- and great restaurant offers available too.

The most popular events at the festival are the night noodle markets- held weeknights from 5pm to 9pm. Here thousands congregate amongst dozens of fabulous food stands to taste different delicacies from around the globe. From the hot spices of India to classic sausage and mashed potato in the UK, the festival proudly provides an extensive range of cuisines fit for every tummy.

New for the 2011 festival: Breakfast on Bondi will see thousands hit Sydney's most famous beach, early at dawn on Sunday 23rd October, to celebrate..... eating breakfast. This 'bring your own breakfast' picnic event will host live orchestral music besides the waterfront and include food markets and appearances from guest celebrity chefs too.

With the gloomy British winter weather looming ever nearer, there's no better time to book a flight down-under and visit one of the world's most popular food festivals in one of the world's most famous cities.

Sydney was Voted the World's Number One City

Sydney was voted the world's number one city in the Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards held last night in New York.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris said Sydney has beaten tough competition from cities such as New York, Paris and Cape Town to take out the influential award.

It's the second major international award for the Harbour City with Sydney having been named the world's best festival and major events city by the International Festival and Events Association just last week.

"Winning this latest award demonstrates Sydney's position as a world leading destination and the gateway to Australia. It's a vote of confidence not by travel writers or agents, but by ordinary travellers.

"By definition, this makes us Australia's leading tourism and events city and will help the Government in its quest to restore NSW to its position as the nation's premiere state," Mr Souris said.

More than 8 million votes were cast in the Awards with readers rating cities according to ambience, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, culture, sight-seeing and shopping. "The many readers of Conde Nast Traveler have given Sydney the top spot in their Awards with a score of 85.1, ahead of the next highest scoring city - Florence (85.0).

"With its mix of world class events, cultural activities, stunning natural attractions and top-end food and shopping, Sydney and NSW continues to satisfy its visitors.

"NSW is Australia's number one destination for international and domestic visitor numbers, visitor nights and visitor expenditure," Mr Souris said.

Sydney hotels have also received award accolades at the ceremony, with 11 of the top 15 hotels in the Oceania region being from Sydney. The top hotel in Oceania goes to the Observatory Hotel Sydney (scoring 91.1) with another - the Sydney Harbour Marriott in Circular Quay, The Westin Sydney and Establishment Hotel Sydney also in the top five.

"It's encouraging to see so many of our excellent hotels recognised by world-wide travellers. They certainly deserve recognition and have helped to put Sydney in the top spot," Mr Souris said. He pointed out that Conde Nast Traveler readers are mostly based in North America.

"As one of our largest international tourism markets, North America is worth more than $516 million to the NSW economy. This expenditure includes overnight and day trip expenditure.

"Recognition at these awards will further raise our profile among potential travellers and will help the Liberals and nationals Government fulfil its pledge to significantly boost the State's economy," Mr Souris said.

Mr Souris said the Conde Nast Traveler poll follows a number of recent global awards for Sydney, reiterating its status as one of the world's best cities.

These include:

- International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Sydney was declared the world's best festival and event city for the second year in a row, winning the IFEA World's Best Festival and Event City Award 2011

- TripAdvisor has listed Sydney at number two on its annual Travelers' Choice Destination 2011 awards - ahead of global cities including Paris (4), New York (6) and London (8)
- Cruise International Awards Sydney was recognised as the Cruise Destination of the Year in 2011

- Lonely Planet's 700,000 Facebook and Twitter global followers named Sydney as one of the world's best summer cities.

(Source: travmedia.com)

Australia to Renew Focus on Indian and Chinese Middle Class Tourists

Australia is set to renew its focus on wooing the cash rich middle class population of India and China at the Australian Tourism Directions conference in Canberra. According to a PTI report, the conference, to be held from tomorrow, will also analyse the progress of plans to double overnight visitor spending to USD 140 billion by 2020.

“Now more than ever we need to remain focused on the big picture improvements that can enhance the long-term competitiveness of the sector,” said Martin Ferguson, Federal Tourism Minister, Government of Australia. He added that the conference will renew the industry's focus on Asia and the rise of China as Australia's most valuable tourism market.

“It will also examine the need for more and better hotel accommodation, for higher investment in destinations and for increasing aviation capacity,” Ferguson said. Andrew McEvoy, Head, Tourism Australia will discuss the challenges of ensuring that Australia creates a long lasting appeal to global travellers.

A new report released by Tourism Research Australia has revealed that tourism's total contribution to the Australian economy in 2009/10 was USD 71.7 billion, or around 5.6 per cent of GDP.

Tourism pulls in 5% of GDP - Sydney Tourism News

The proceeds of tourism were worth $72 billion, or about 5 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, to the Australian economy in 2009-10, new statistics show.

The latest research from Tourism Research Australia reveals that the direct proceeds from tourism in that year were at $33.9 billion, an increase of 3.2 per cent on the previous period.

Indirect proceeds, or funds generated because of tourism but through other industries, totalled $37.8 billion.

Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said the sector was often overlooked but the figures proved what a significant money-maker tourism was for Australia.

"Tourism is much more than just travel agents and tour guides," Mr Ferguson said in a statement.

"It is clear that efforts to help tourism grow by cutting red tape, boosting skills and improving the quality and offering of tourism products will produce huge flow-on benefits."

The tourism industry is seen by statisticians as one of the top multipliers of the economy with an output value of 1.91.

This means that for every dollar tourism creates, another 91 cents is generated somewhere else, ranking it higher than retail (1.80), mining (1.67) and education (1.38).

According to the statistics, tourism also employs some 7.9 per cent of the workforce, or 876,400 people.

The government has promised to unveil an updated long-term tourism strategy before the end of the year.

It wants to achieve a new record for tourism dollars, having peaked in 2000-01 at 7.9 per cent of the economy thanks to the Sydney Olympics and the introduction of the GST.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/tourism-pulls-in-5-of-gdp-20111010-1lgii.html#ixzz1aQx8bXu9

Sydney is the World's Best Festival and Event City…and That's Official

Sydney is the world's best festival and event city…and that's official, according to the international organisation that judges such matters.

It‟s the second year in a row that the Harbour City has won the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) World Festival and Event City Award, which was announced today.
Sydney was deemed the best world‟s best festival and event city for 2011 in the „over one million population‟ category and will accept the award at this year‟s IFEA 56th Annual Convention and Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said it was a source of great pride for Sydney to be named as the world‟s best festival and event city.

“There is no doubt winning this award demonstrates Sydney's position as a world leading destination for events and tourism and confirms it as Australia's international city".
“Securing major events is a priority for the NSW Government and will help us achieve our goal of doubling tourist expenditure by 2020,” Mr Souris said.

President and CEO of IFEA, Steven Wood Schmader, said the international panel of judges had many great world cities to assess in the category, but decided Sydney stood out from the pack.
“Sydney won due to the community leadership and ongoing, concerted efforts and support to provide a positive local environment that is conducive to and encourages the success and growth of festivals and events,” Mr Schmader said.

This award comes off the back of a string of major event wins since the Liberals and Nationals came to Government in NSW.

Major event wins by Destination NSW for Sydney and NSW include:

- Harry Potter: the exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney from November 2011 – March 2012, Sydney exclusive
- Richard III show starring Kevin Spacey at the Lyric Theatre, Sydney in December 2011, exclusive Sydney season
- Sydney is home to first-run musicals, including World Premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman from May 2012, Australian Premiere of ANNIE from January 2012, Australian Premiere The Addams Family from March 2013 and World Premiere of Strictly Ballroom from September 2013
- Tiger Woods to join an all-star line-up at this year‟s Australian Open Golf at The Lakes, Sydney from 10 – 13 November
- The Bledisloe Cup ten year deal, where at least one Bledisloe Cup game will be played in Sydney each year from 2012 to 2021
- Sydney International Rowing Regatta, including the opening rounds of the Samsung World Rowing Cup at Penrith in 2013 and 2014
- The first ever Australian Open of Surfing to be held in Manly in February 2012 in conjunction with Hurley and Billabong
- Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour held annually from March 2012
- Sydney secured three World Cup Qualifier Games in the lead up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup
- The Davis Cup World Group Play-off between Australia and Switzerland at Royal Sydney Golf Club
- 2015 Touch Football World Cup, including range of national and international Touch Football events from 2011 – 2015
- 2011 NAB AFL Draft secured for Western Sydney this November
- Australian Open Grand Prix Gold (Badminton) at Darling Harbour in April 2012, moved from Melbourne.

NSW Premier, Barry O‟Farrell, said the award yet again proves that Sydney is Australia‟s leading major events and tourist destination.

“We can all be proud of the recognition Sydney has received, placing it in its rightful position as the major events capital of Australia.

“Destination NSW, the state's tourism and major events authority, is focused on strengthening the Events Calendar and upholding our position as the number one tourism and events city and state in Australia.

“Sydney is Australia's global city and being honoured with such an award will drive even more visitors to our city and state,” he said.

Sydney to Host Screen Producers

The annual Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) conference is to be held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney from 16th – 19th November 2011.

Held over three days, the SPAA Annual Conference is the premier business and networking event for film, television and new media producers. Past attendees include key Australian and international industry practitioners involved in all aspects of production, creation, distribution and financing of screen content.

The program offers a mix of interviews, panel discussions, pitching events, master classes, demonstrations and social events with opportunities for business development and networking in a relaxed environment.

The Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) represents the interests of Australian producers on all issues that affect the business and creative aspects of independent screen production.

SPAA members include television, feature film, animation, documentary, TV commercial and interactive media production companies, as well as services and facilities providers, such as post-production, finance, distribution and legal companies.

Sydney Events Update - September 2011

Two major new events have been announced for the 2011 Crave Sydney International Food Festival. Visitors and Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy Breakfast on Bondi on 23 October and also experience a Kids’ Crazy Island Tea Party on Goat Island over three weekends in October. For more information go to www.cravesydney.com. The festival is one of five signature events on the NSW Events Calendar, created by Destination NSW.

Destination NSW has secured the opening round of the prestigious Samsung World Rowing Cup in 2013 and 2014 to be staged at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith. The event will attract visitors from overseas and interstate with teams expected to stay in Western Sydney.

The NRL Finals Season was launched this week in Sydney. The NSW Government through Destination NSW is thrilled to support the NRL and pleased the NRL Grand Final will stay in Sydney for the next decade. Recently conducted research found the 2010 NRL Grand Final generated more than $15 million in new money for the State with almost 20,000 interstate and overseas visitors coming to Sydney for the event.

(Source: Insights, September 2011)

See a Different Side of Taronga Zoo

Taronga has recently opened an exciting new boardwalk putting visitors eye to eye with the Himalayan mountain goats while providing spectacular views of Sydney Harbour.

This once hidden corner of the zoo has been fully transformed to create a seamless journey stretching between the African Safari and Carnivore Trail incorporating many stunning view points along the way. The boardwalk, accessible by both stairs and ramps also provides a unique 360 degree view of the Himalayan mountain goats that once had this prime position all to themselves.

Why not spend the night? Camp in safari tents in the heart of Australia's most famous zoo, and wake to spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Roar & Snore is a fully hosted experience that includes architecturally designed tents, a sumptuous roast feast, drinks in the main tent and up-close animal encounters. It offers a unique opportunity to stay in the campsite with views of Sydney Harbour on one side and Lions, Snow Leopards and Meerkats on the other.

For more information visit www.taronga.org.au

Sydney Tower Eye - Relaunching on its 30th Birthday

Did you know that it's Sydney Tower's 30th birthday this year? This iconic building will celebrate its 30th birthday on September 23rd - the day the amazing viewing experience re-launches as Sydney Tower Eye. Come celebrate this fabulous achievement by visiting, and experience the newly refurbished Sydney Tower Eye from 23rd September onwards.

Starting from the bottom, the new Sydney Tower Eye will bring a brand new 4D cinema experience! The engaging film experience is taken to the fourth dimension with evocative in-theatre effects including wind, bubbles and fire.

The best views in Sydney have been brought to new heights. On the Observation Deck visitors will be able to admire 360 degree panoramic views of Sydney and its surrounds with state-of-the-art technology, including high powered binoculars and discover interesting facts about famous Sydney landmarks via the newly installed multilingual interactive touch screen panels.

And if you thought you couldn't go any higher join the SKYWALK, this premium experience allows visitors to soak up exhilarating, outdoor, open-air views, 260m above ground level on the roof of the Observation Deck.
www.sydneytowereye.com.au

THE DETAILS:

What: Sydney Tower Eye opening in September 2011

When: Friday, September 23rd

Opening hours: 9.00am-10.30pm

Price: Adult $25 and Child $15 for the SKYWALK premium experience add $40.
Combo tickets also available combining entry to Sydney Tower Eye with Sydney Aquarium, and/or the new WILD LIFE Sydney experience, and/or Oceanworld Manly starting at $50 for an adult and $30 for a child.

Enquiries: 9333 9222

Darling Quarter set to open in September

Sydneysiders and tourists will soon be able to enjoy the new Darling Quarter precinct in Darling Harbour as the eagerly anticipated project prepares to officially open on Saturday 24 September.

A Lend Lease and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority partnership, the precinct will be presented to the public in an opening day ceremony emceed by James Kerley and featuring kids’ favourites Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick Star, live Nickelodeon Slime Time shows, Lah Lah Live, and a 2DayFM live cross.

As well as providing an “eclectic mix” of new dining options for grownups, the precinct will introduce a new 4,000 square metre playground for children, the biggest in the Sydney CBD area, according to Lend Lease.

Additionally, from December, an urban light installation at Commonwealth Bank Place will become interactive for all visitors of the precinct, affording the public an opportunity to “direct” their own light performance on a large ‘vertical stage’.

Lend Lease says the Darling Quarter will continue to evolve after its initial presentation with a programme of events already planned from September onwards.

(Source: eTravelblackboard, September 2011)

How Visitors Find Their Way Around Sydney (Study Findings!)

Destination NSW and the University of Technology, Sydney have conducted new research on visitor wayfinding in Sydney. Among the findings were that only 20% of visitors used a GPS or app to find their way around Sydney. More than half encountered problems because of high international roaming charges and unreliable guidance amongst tall buildings.

A summary of the research is available on the Corporate website. (http://corporate.tourism.nsw.gov.au/Sites/SiteID6/objLib40/Visitor-Wayfinding-in-Sydney_ResearchFS.pdf )

Other findings included:

Most visitors used landmarks for orientation. The Opera House, Sydney Tower and the Harbour Bridge were the most common, followed by the Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park and the Art Gallery.

George Street is the main route used to access the key tourist areas of Sydney city.
Walking was the most preferred method of getting around.

Celebrity Cruises’ Australian preview

The countdown is on for Celebrity Cruises’ first ship to hit Australian waters this November.

Celebrity Century will home port in Sydney for the Australian summer before making way for her big sister Celebrity Solstice in the summer of 2012-13.

“There’s no greater substantiation for the interest in this market than the investment the company’s (RCI) making in the largest and most modern cruise ship ever to call Australia home which will be in the summer of 2012-2013,” said Gavin Smith, managing director Celebrity Cruises Australia.

President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Dan Hanrahan, flew into Sydney last week ahead of the deployment to speak with Australian media and agents about the Celebrity offering and sang the praises of the land down under.

Mr Hanrahan expressed his long-term goal to have more than one ship home port in Sydney during the summer but recognised that improvements need to be made to the Sydney port situation in order to achieve this.

Highlighting the economic benefits to NSW as a whole, Mr Hanrahan expects over $1 million in revenue to be generated per day that a Celebrity ship visits Sydney.



“The port has some interesting opportunities ahead of it…if the port can figure out how to accommodate large ships as well as small ships, the beneficiary of that will be the greater Sydney area and NSW in general.”

Whilst having a good port infrastructure is important, Mr Hanrahan explained that something simple can always be effective. He cited the port in Hamburg, Germany as an example which was constructed out of shipping containers for the recent inaugural sailing of Celebrity Silhouette and reiterated that the line can work within the conditions provided to them.

Taking time out to speak with e-Travel Blackboard prior to his Sydney media briefing, Mr Hanrahan cleared up the confusion recent comments caused regarding tipping on board.

With tipping included as a line item when booking a cruise, Mr Hanrahan explained that his comments were in relation to educating Australian cruisers about the amounts allocated per staff member, not about how to tip in general.

“When I saw that article I was mortified. I would have to be really dumb to say something like that, or very arrogant and I’d like to think I was neither.”

(Source: eTravelblackboard, August 2011)

SYDNEY SECURES ANOTHER WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL - AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell today announced the stage musical of the Academy Award- winning film An Officer and a Gentleman will have its world premiere season in Sydney in 2012.



Mr O’Farrell made the announcement aboard HMAS Sydney at Garden Island with Minister for Major Events George Souris and Producer John Frost.



“It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce another world premiere musical for Sydney, An Officer and a Gentleman, opening at the Lyric Theatre on May 24 next year,” Mr O’Farrell said.



“This is another major theatrical coup - Sydney was chosen over London and New York for the world premiere of this new stage production.



“Sydney is now officially the number one city for first run musicals in Australia.



“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of securing and hosting major events as part of our plan to rebuild the State’s economy – and there is no doubt with this most recent addition, the NSW Events Calendar is stronger than ever before.”



Minister for Major Events George Souris said pursuing major events, including blockbuster musicals, forms a key part of NSW Government’s strategy to rebuild the NSW economy.



“The Events team at Destination NSW estimate that internationally renowned musicals can generate close to $20 million over a six month run in direct economic impact,” Mr Souris said.



“With our list of musicals just getting longer, this is great news for the NSW economy. We expect people to travel from across Australia and the Asia Pacific to see these shows.



“Let’s not forget Sydney was chosen for the world premiere of Strictly Ballroom – The Musical over London and New York, the world premiere of Doctor Zhivago held earlier this year and the Australian Premieres of The Addams Family and Legally Blonde coming in 2012.



“This is in addition to the outstanding success of Mary Poppins, Jersey Boys and Hairspray and the highly anticipated upcoming productions of Rock of Ages and Annie.”



The 1982 film was recently listed by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten love stories of all time. This new production has been adapted for the stage by the original screen writer, Douglas Day Stewart, and co-writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen, with music and lyrics by Ken Hirsch and Robin Lerner.



It will be produced by Sharleen Cooper Cohen and John Frost, and directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical).



Producer John Frost said he is thrilled to be able to bring this classic tale to life in musical theatre form.



“When we held a workshop of the musical in 2009, I knew instantly that I wanted to produce this wonderful show. It is a timeless tale of struggle, success, friendship and love, based on one of the most popular films of all time. We had offers to produce the show in London and in New York, but I’m very thankful that with the assistance of the Events team at Destination NSW, I can produce the World Premiere right here in Sydney,” Mr Frost said.



“After the success of the premiere of Doctor Zhivago earlier this year, Sydney has proven its credentials as the theatre capital of Australia and the ideal city to premiere Broadway bound musical productions.”



Sharleen Cooper Cohen said she was excited her musical is opening in Sydney.



“The fact that Sydney is home to Australia’s most beautiful naval base is only one of the reasons that’s it’s a perfect place to premiere the show that celebrates a Navy officer,” she said.



Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said Sydney is again establishing itself as Australia's centre of musical theatre.



"Apart from the delights such shows offer, they encourage local, interstate and overseas visitors to Sydney, providing support to the City's hospitality, accommodation, retail, transport and fine dining industries.”

Second Sydney Airport Necessary: TICNSW

NSW tourism leaders are urging the Government to move forward with a second airport in Sydney, despite Sydney Airport experiencing a 1.4 percent drop in domestic arrivals over July this year compared to the last.

Tourism Industry Council New South Wales (TICNSW) executive officer Andrew Jefferies explained that passenger movements and low-cost carrier growth into NSW indicated a need for a second airport.

According to a report compiled by Tourism Futures International for Destination NSW, up to 42.6 percent of holiday visitors and 43 percent of total international arrivals into Australia flew into Sydney over the past ten years.

Of visitor arrivals Sydney welcomed a 0.7 percent growth over the decade and its residents departing overseas rose by 5.4 percent per annum.

Meanwhile Mr Jefferies said the city could be doing better but it is missing out passenger opportunities because it only caters to ten percent of the low-cost carriers flying into Sydney compared to Melbourne which welcomes 15 percent, Perth 29 percent and Brisbane 20 percent.

“Low Cost Carriers drive growth in passenger movements and benefit the local economy in so many ways,” Mr Jefferies explained.

“Sydney is clearly missing out on its share of the LCC market and a second Sydney Airport would be a catalyst for economic growth in our State.”

Earlier today Sydney Airport released its passenger movements over July, with a 1.4 percent drop over the month this year compared to the last while international arrivals increased by 2.7 percent.

The strong Aussie dollar is keeping Aussies from travelling domestically, according to Sydney Airport owners, MAp, with results for last month indicated that only 2,056,000 domestic travellers passed through the major airport compared to 2,085,000 during the corresponding period last year.

Despite the drop, domestic travel for the year maintained a 0.9 percent growth to 13.8 million compared to 13.67 million during the first seven months of last year.

MAp chief executive Kerrie Mather explained that domestic figures were affected by the grounding of Tiger Airways, while international outbound and Asian markets performed well over the period.



“Sydney recorded a small decrease in traffic during July, with pleasing growth in the international market offset by a weaker domestic market, where the temporary grounding of Tiger Airways impacted traffic by approximately 5 percentage points,” Ms Mather said.

“Despite the modest headline rate, July 2011 was the best July on record for international traffic at the airport, with growth driven by ongoing airline capacity increases, in particular from Asian carriers and Qantas.”

(Source: eTravelblackboard, 19^th August 2011)

Madame Tussauds Confirmed to Open in Darling Harbour

One of the world’s most famous attractions Madame Tussauds will open on Darling Harbour’s Aquarium Wharf in May next year.



Fans will be able to get up close and personal with their favourite Aussie stars including Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman who will be featured alongside other international A-listers like Johnny Depp and Lady Gaga; as well as politicians, literary and sports stars and many others.



Madame Tussaud’s has revealed their first, unique-to-Australia celebrity figure will be Home & Away star Ray Meagher.



Meagher, who is popularly known for his role as Alf Stewart in the series Home & Away since 1988, will be one of the first local celebrities to be featured in Madame Tussauds Sydney amongst other Aussie celebrities and heroes.



The latest attraction will reflect the franchise’s 200 years of expertise and research, with each figure crafted with both a high level of artistry and accuracy. Most contemporary figures are also produced following sittings with the celebrities themselves – and talks are already well advanced with a number of Australian icons. Extensive research into producing wax figures includes hundreds of separate measurements, hours matching skin tone, eye and hair colour – with every individual hair inserted separately. Celebrities and film studio wardrobe departments often supply clothing for their figures to Madame Tussauds, or designers will reproduce significant or iconic outfits as exact replicas.



Costing $14 million and featuring 1,800sqm of space, the new Madame Tussauds Sydney will be the 13th Madame Tussauds in the world and fifth in Asia Pacific - joining its highly successful sister attractions in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok.

Fennec Foxes make a new pair at Taronga

Taronga Zoo has welcomed a new Fennec Fox pair, with a female from Adelaide and male from Germany taking up residence in Sydney. The tiny foxes, which grow to just 20cm tall, have huge ears that are so sensitive they can hear insects walking on the sand of their North African and Arabian desert homes.

‘Sha’ the female arrived at Taronga from Adelaide Zoo about 12 months ago but has recently been introduced to ‘Zinder’ a male which made the journey from Augsburg Zoo in Bavaria, Germany, recently. The international coupling was planned to create a new genetic bloodline in the Australasian breeding program for this small canine species.

They’re a nocturnal animal and visitors to the Roar and Snore sleep-over program have said that Zinder turns into a little wild thing at night, pouncing and exploring all the areas of his desert-themed home.

Kate Moss's Big Night Out in Sydney

KATE Moss has finally surfaced. After much speculation that the model was in Sydney with her new husband, Jamie Hince, she was spotted downing drinks at a trendy pub.

Moss was seen leaving The Flinders Hotel in Darlinghurst last night with Hince and a group of friends, on what is believed to be her first visit to Australia.

Wearing black calf-length pants and a black top with a black jacket, Moss left the hotel at 9pm to attend a performance by Hince's band The Kills at rock venue the Metro, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The Kills played at the On The Bright Side festival in Perth last weekend but Moss was a no-show in WA and chose to join her husband on the east coast only.

Moss and Hince dined at the hotel's boutique upstairs eatery and "ordered pretty much everything on the menu", according to a diner. "They seemed in a good mood and were ordering a lot of drinks and a lot of food."

Bar manager Alen Nikolovski said he didn't realise at first it was Moss sitting at his bar.

"She was just really down to earth, just a normal person. She was outstanding, the nicest person,'' he said.

Moss, who was with an entourage of about seven people, came downstairs from the bistro with a female friend for a drink. She was sipping a vodka and cranberry drink.

Mr Nikolovski said she was in the main bar for about five to 10 minutes. "She had a laugh at two bartenders mucking around behind the bar.''

On Tuesday, sources said that she enjoyed some low-key shopping in fashion hot spot Paddington.

It was understood that Moss plans to accompany Hince to the Splendour In The Grass music festival on Australia's northeastern coast this weekend.

Sydney Named ‘Most Efficient Airport’

Sydney Airport has welcomed a four percent increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the first six months ending 30 June 2011.

The $381.8 million in earnings was lead by the 1.9 percent increase in traffic growth for the period, despite natural disasters disrupting the first and second quarters of the year.

Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather said the outstanding performance for the first six months was recognised by the Air Transport Research Society, which named Sydney Airport the most efficient airport in the Oceania region as part of a global airport performance benchmarking and excellence awards.

“I am delighted to have commenced in my new role as managing director and chief executive officer of Sydney Airport. I look forward to working with our valued airline partners to deliver the products and services they need to serve their passengers and ensure Sydney Airport continues to be Australia’s premier gateway,” Ms Mather added.

The total revenue from all areas of the business increased by 4.4 per cent over the previous corresponding period (pcp) to A$472.4million, this was assisted by the domestic capacity additions by Jetstar, the commencement of wide-body A330-200 services to Perth by Virgin Australia, and the upgrade of six weekly services to Perth with B747-400 aircraft by Qanats.

(Source: eTravelblackboard, 21st July 2011)

Travel Leaders Summit Provides Sydney boost

Travel Leaders and Qantas Vacations in the United States have reported strong results to date following the Travel Leaders Group 2011 International Summit held in Sydney last month.

Travel Leaders Associates is one of the largest leisure and corporate travel agency networks in the world. Destination NSW assisted in hosting 88 leading travel agents, agency owners and managers for the summit which included activities such as a tour and gala dinner at the Sydney Opera House, BridgeClimb, Sydney Wildlife World an Aboriginal walking tour and a visit to the Blue Mountains. Travel Leaders and Qantas Vacations have reported significant increases in quotes and bookings for travel to Sydney and NSW following the summit.

(Source: Insights, 20th July 2011)

More Tourists Heading to Sydney

The latest figures from the Tourism Forecasting Committee were released today. The figures show NSW receives the lion's share of both the international (33%) and domestic (30%) visitor nights in Australia, with 65.2 million international visitor nights and 78.3 million domestic visitor nights in 2010. A large proportion of the visitors to NSW also stop over in Sydney.

Total visitor nights (international plus domestic) are forecast to increase by 18% by 2020 and NSW is forecast to maintain its market share. The bulk of the growth (85%) will come from the international market that is set to climb from 65.2 million nights to 87.1 million nights by 2020.

Visitor nights to regions are forecast to increase by 8% by 2020 and the regions are expected to continue to dominate the holiday market.