Sydney is officially the world's best festival and event city, 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. 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," Souris said. "Securing major events is a priority for the NSW Government and will help us achieve our goal of doubling tourist expenditure by 2020."
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," 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.
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," he said. "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."
