Sydney has been adjudged as the ‘world’s best festival and event city’ in the ‘over one million population’ category by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) for the second time in a row. The harbour city 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.
“Securing major events is a priority for the NSW Government and will help us achieve our goal of doubling tourist expenditure by 2020,” Souris said.
“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,” said Steven Wood Schmader, President and CEO of IFEA.
“This is a fantastic achievement for the city and once again proves that Sydney is a true global leader. Our city’s world-class events and festivals are drawcards for the business events sector. They contribute to the vibrant and dynamic culture that’s key to attracting international delegates to conventions, corporate meetings and incentive programs that we win for the city and the State. Business Events Sydney congratulates Destination NSW and all parties involved in achieving this recent accolade” said Lyn Lewis-Smith, acting CEO, Business Events Sydney.
Major event wins by Destination NSW for Sydney and NSW, includes The Harry Potter exclusive exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, the Richard III show starring Kevin Spacey at the Lyric Theatre, world premiere of ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and ‘Strictly Ballroom’, Australian premiere of ‘Annie’ and ‘The Addams Family World Premiere of Strictly Ballroom and the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour to be held annually.
Sydney will also be home to major international and national sporting events such as the Australian Open Golf at The Lakes that will have Tiger Woods as a part of the all-star line-up, The Bledisloe Cup ten year deal, 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 conjunction with Hurley and Billabong, 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, 2011 NAB AFL Draft secured for Western Sydney, Australian Open Grand Prix Gold (Badminton) at Darling Harbour.
NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell, said the award yet again proves that Sydney is Australia’s leading major events and tourist destination.
“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,” said the Premier.
