Business owners in Sydney’s CBD and surrounding suburbs are today invited to get involved in the largest light festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Vivid Sydney, and apply for the Vivid Sydney’s Local Business Program.

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said Vivid Sydney’s Local Business Program would support the local business community and encourage festival attendees to dine, shop, spend, stay and experience the Harbour City.

“Sydney is well and truly open for business, and we’re calling on our retailers, hoteliers, hospitality groups, entertainment, travel and tourism operators in the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs to join the Local Business Program and truly immerse themselves in Vivid Sydney,” Mr Franklin said.

“Each year, Vivid Sydney brings something bigger and brighter to wow the hundreds of thousands of people who visit each year. This program is a fantastic opportunity for business owners to expose themselves to a large audience of potential new customers. 

“Nominations open today and interested parties are invited to present ideas, special offers and experiences for inclusion in the 2023 Vivid Sydney Local Business Program.”

Participants are encouraged to host a one-of-a-kind Vivid Sydney experience, exclusive offer or light up building façades or Harbour vessels over the festival with assistance from Vivid Sydney.

The return of Vivid Sydney in 2022 saw Sydney hotels experience their best weekend occupancy rates since 2019, according to figures released by Tourism Accommodation Australia, with bookings jumping to above 80 per cent for the first time since the pandemic began.

In 2022, more than 650,000 Vivid Sydney attendees dined out in a CBD restaurant or hotel while 2.1 million enjoyed a sit-down or takeaway meal.

Vivid Sydney 2023 will light up Sydney from Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June. Applications can be made here and closes on 17 November 2022.

Photo – Destination NSW