After more than 20 years of taking international and domestic tourists over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) announced on 15 June, 2018 that BridgeClimb Sydney had lost its bid to secure a new 20-year contract to operate the climbing experience.
The world famous experience was in fact a world first. Since opening on 1 October, 1998, BridgeClimb summited 4 million climbers from over 140 countries, transforming the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a postcard to a global bucket list experience.
Every aspect of the experience was carefully crafted and endlessly innovated with the climb renowned as a world class experience and operation, as well as holding an unblemished safety record. BridgeClimb Sydney also collaborated with WYSE Exchange Australia in a familiaristion trip back in 2016.
In an online statement, BridgeClimb Sydney’s Chairman and Founder, Paul Cave, stated that since taking nearly four million climbers across over two decades, “it has been a privilege for us to make a hero of the Bridge, and of every climber on every climb.”
Paul additionally praised the team for their individual achievements in creating a globally renowned tourism experience. “Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver the ultimate experience of Sydney.” “Every one of our past and present team can hold their heads high on what we have created together. The team and our customers are our immediate priority.”
The final climb with BridgeClimb Sydney will take place on 30 September, 2018 for all customers with existing bookings. Customers with bookings after the 30th will be contacted when there is further clarity regarding the future of climbs.
Paul finished, “Our focus is on our customers, our team, and on preserving our brand, equipment and expertise for future opportunities.”
Late on Friday 15 June, 2018, the NSW Government announced that Hammons Holdings Pty Ltd had secured the contract for the next 20 years.
Source:
“BridgeClimb Sydney – The end of a wonderful era” – BridgeClimb Sydney, 15 June 2018,
“Shock: Bridgeclimb Sydney lost the right to host Harbour Bridge climbs” – Karryon, 15 June 2018, and
“Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb awarded to Hammons Holdings for next 20 years” – ABC News, 15 June 2018