Newcastle has been named as a World Festival and Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) at this year's IFEA 59th Annual Convention and Expo in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
“This recognition of Newcastle's capability to deliver world class major events is an outstanding accolade that demonstrates the City's continued efforts to establish Newcastle as one of the best events destinations in NSW,” Ms Chipchase said.
“Securing major events has been a priority for Destination NSW, the Government's tourism and major events agency, as we work towards achieving our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020,” she said.
This award comes off the back of a string of major event wins and investments by the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, including:
- Surfest
- The Real Film Festival, Newcastle
- Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games 2013
- Eastern University Games
- Australian Bowl-riding Championships
- Port to Port Mountain Bike Challenge.
“This award proves that Newcastle is gaining recognition as one of Australia's leading major events and tourism destinations,” she said.
“Newcastle's win has been achieved through innovative partnerships and a dynamic, supportive and fully engaged population whose passion for sport, art, design, music and food and wine has seen the city successfully transform into a regional cultural centre.
“Destination NSW, with local partners, has also developed the “It's ON! in Newcastle” campaign to promote all that Newcastle has to offer and ensure that visitors to the region know that there are always great events , festivals and things to see and do,” she said.
President and CEO of IFEA, Steven Schmader, said the international panel of judges had many great world cities to assess, but noted that Newcastle distinguished themselves in all of the criteria considerations that define a World Festival & Event City.
“Newcastle has been recognised officially as a 2014 IFEA World Festival & Event City, in recognition of the City's community leadership and ongoing, concerted efforts to provide a positive local environment that is conducive to, and encourages the success and growth of, festivals and events” Mr Schmader said.
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