Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said NSW was given due recognition with Australia’s Favourite Event, Best Sporting Event and Best Tourism Event.

“Sydney has once again demonstrated it has the expertise to host the biggest major events and do it better than any other city in the world,” Mr Ayres said.

“We not only stage world class events but we ensure they bring great economic benefits to our State, whether they are sporting, cultural or entertainment.”

Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, continues to shine bright and was named Australia’s Best Tourism Event for the third consecutive year.

Owned and managed by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney had another record-breaking year, welcoming 1.7 million attendees in 2015.

Australia’s Favourite Event, was the blockbuster match between legendary English Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur FC and Sydney FC held in front of 71,549 fans at ANZ Stadium.

To celebrate the Tottenham Hotspur FC visit, the team was hosted for a special Sydney Harbour Bridge climb during Vivid Sydney, with the Bridge illuminated in blue and white lights and projections of Spurs players on the iconic structure’s sandstone pylons.

Vision of the team’s Vivid Sydney experience was broadcast around the world.

The unique activation and publicity generated by Destination NSW and ANZ Stadium was awarded Best Achievement in Marketing, Communication and Sponsorship.

The Chelsea FC v Sydney FC International Football Friendly held in June in front of 83,598 fans took out Best Sporting Event.

The full list of winners can be viewed at: http://eventawards.com.au/2015-winners-and-finalists.html

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