Coffs Harbour and Sydney claim wins World Festival and Event City Awards

NSW cities Coffs Harbour and Sydney have been named among six international cities taking out titles at the International Festivals and Events Association’s 2019 World Festival and Event City Awards.

Presented at the 64th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA on Wednesday evening, the annual awards recognising the best in community leadership and festival and event partnerships around the world.

Welcoming receipt of the Awards, NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres advised “(these) awards speak to strength of the NSW Government’s major events strategy and acclaimed reputation for delivering world-class event experiences. It reinforces that our work throughout regional and metropolitan areas is second to none and we remain committed to ensuring every corner of the State continues to thrive.

“This is the ninth time Sydney has won this accolade as a World Festival and Event City and is the only destination to have received this award annually since its inception.

“The NSW Government has secured or retained over 700 events since the creation of our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW in 2011 and has developed Vivid Sydney into Australia’s largest event and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. NSW’s events calendar continues to grow, which ultimately means more visitors, jobs and a thriving economy.”

Sydney and Coffs Harbour were selected by an international panel of judges in recognition of their community leadership and ongoing, concerted efforts to provide a positive environment that fosters the success and growth of festivals and events.

In addition to claiming two major IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards Sydney and Coffs Harbour, Destination NSW has also received 10 Pinnacle Awards in multiple categories for its creativity and excellence surrounding Vivid Sydney.

Click here for more information on the IFEA World Festival and Event City Awards.

Image: Coffs Harbour International Buskers and Comedy Festival.