Sydney Opera House, Etihad forge deal

_x0016_Etihad Airways and Sydney Opera House have inked a three-year, multi-million dollar partnership which aims to further enhance Sydney's profile as a cultural destination.

The deal will see the two parties develop a range of joint initiatives to promote tourism to Sydney and attract the "world's best" to perform at the Opera House.

State minister for tourism George Souris predicted both the tourism sector and the city's residents would benefit from the agreement.

"It will help bring more international artists to NSW and provide its citizens as well as its visitors with access to all the cultural opportunities of a truly global city," he said.

"This partnership between the Opera House and Etihad Airways will connect Sydney Opera House to a massive global network of destinations."

Etihad president and chief executive James Hogan added that the deal underlines the airline's commitment to both Australia's tourism industry and its cultural sector.

"Sydney Opera House is one of the world's architectural wonders, recognised the world over and from today, the most culturally valuable asset in our global sponsorship portfolio," he said.

"Strategic investments such as these in tourism and the community, with their flow-on economic effects, are the foundation of our enduring partnership with Australia."

Etihad's Australian sponsorship portfolio also includes Melbourne Recital Centre, Biennale of Sydney, Arab Film Festival Australia, Islamic Museum of Australia and Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, as part of its tenth anniversary celebrations, Etihad has announced that chidren turning 10 in 2013 will be eligible for one free Coral economy class return ticket to any destination in the Etihad network, when booked and travelling with a paying adult. The offer is valid on bookings made until February 7 for travel between January 20 and May 23.