Tourism and Events Industry News
Destination NSW’s industry bulletin, Insights, is distributed to more than 3500 registered contacts across the state. Information on Destination NSW marketing campaigns, events, development opportunities, research and general news within the industry is captured in the bulletin.
Subscribe to Insights and have the latest NSW tourism and events industry news emailed to you each week.
July 2022 editions onward are available in the table below.
Previous editions
Insights January - June 2022 | Insights July - December 2022
Insights January - June 2021 | Insights July - December 2021
Insights January - June 2020 | Insights July - December 2020
Most recent editions (July - December 2023)
| Issue | Articles | 24 November 2023 | Summertime calls for dancing in the streets Earthcheck’s new carbon calculators 2024 Golden Guitar Awards nominees announced Social impact specialist joins BESydney team SECCA cultural hub opens to the public First Nations artworks for the Blue Mountains Refreshed plan for Tweed Shire Council Countdown to 2024 Mudgee Classic Sydney Metro breaks records Workshop to help sell experiences online Surge in cruise spending Youth Tourism NSW’s annual general meeting Book your full motion simulator adventure now Goulburn Hockey Championships returns |
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| 17 November 2023 | Destination NSW restarts international roadshows NSW Wine of the Year announced Getting more NSW wine on lists Dazzling program for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Local council guide to safely hosting LGBTQ+ events Destination NSW hosts EV webinar Visitor arrivals surge by 213,000 Destination NSW agritourism webinar CSIRO predicts agritourism boom NSW Caravan & Camping Industry Awards New Vivid Sydney curator announced Great Southern Nights sneak peak Sydney hosts 2023 ARIA Awards The world’s number one bar Best restaurants in Sydney & regional NSW New Creative Australia research reports Google Maps Indoor live at Sydney Airport New flying art plane for Qantas Share your news with Destination NSW New fleet and equipment for flood emergencies Cricket fans to enjoy extended trading hours for finals Final piece in state’s sealed highway puzzle New NSW coastal design guidelines |
| 10 November 2023 | Celebrating 2023 NSW Tourism Awards winners China recovery fuelled by two new routes New visas to grow Chinese market Trans-Tasman route heats up Have your say on live music in NSW Singapore Airlines adds fifth daily service Funding for First Nations tourism Destination NSW hosts Dreamtime famil Global accolade for Orange wine Biennale of Sydney program announced Register for ‘Sell online” workshops Inbound strategy workshops Caravan industry to focus on accessibility Airport flyover named after trailblazer Mardi Gras event program launches Mountain biking experience for Eden Elevating gastronomy tourism Enter the Banksia Sustainability Awards NSW sustainability finalists announced New food for Western Sydney stadiums Accolade for Vivid Sydney ATEC annual awards NSW charts new course for volunteering across the state Global sustainability tourism summit Funding available for surf club upgrades Major changes to small business procurement |
| 3 November 2023 | Destination NSW secures bumper November events line-up Chinese visitor market rebounds strongly Qantas resumes Shanghai flights Disney Cruise Line debuts in Sydney Australian Cruise Association annual report celebrates triumphant year Support to attend ATE 2024 Destination NSW heads to Meeting Place Register for ‘Sell Online’ workshops Inbound strategy workshops IVS results released for August 2023 NVS results released for August 2023 New Sydney Waterfront Charter BESydney results return to 2019 levels APAC hotel recovery accelerates New Managing Director for MusicNSW NSW plays a starring role in film & TV Sydney steals the show in Hollywood films Recreational Fishing Trust grants EV charging grants for regional NSW Supersized Supercars season opener Central Coast Green Destination accolade New look for Sydney Airport volunteers AHA celebrates best NSW hotels Secretary appointed to lead NSW Department of Customer Service Great Koala National Park update Hawkesbury-Nepean $200 million flood roads upgrades Focus on prevention to reduce risk to life during floods Disaster assistance extended to the Clarence Valley New metro station at Waterloo nears completion Funding boost to bridge walking and cycling gaps in Western Sydney 35 Blue Plaques installed across NSW Education platform for outdoor & adventure public liability insurance |
| 27 October 2023 | How the Feel New brand has turbocharged visitor economy growth Feel New on the Sapphire Coast campaign success The value of tourism to southern NSW How vibrancy reforms will boost the NSW 24-hour economy NSW regional tourism leads the nation Strong future for hotel market Good Food Guide names top NSW restaurants Two NSW wineries in Australia’s top 10 Sydney Opera House celebrates 50 years Highlights from SXSW Sydney Register for ‘Sell online’ workshops Inbound strategy workshops New Central Park for Sydney Applications open for CID Pilot Program Cruise season kicks off in Eden Bumper NSW season for Princess Cruises Celebrating Aboriginal culture in Moree United Cup 2024 groups announced NSW State of the Beaches report Association events survey results NSW Wine welcomes China tariff review Small business cyber safety Economic impact of the Royal Easter Show Newscorp Travel Trend Forecast NSW wins at Trip.com awards Service NSW business bureau opens Aboriginal business roundtable goes international Virgin named Australia’s most trusted travel brand NSW Triple-A rating reaffirmed New Infrastructure NSW chief executive appointed New Qantaslink CEO appointed Change in leadership at Australian Regional Tourism Disaster assistance for Kempsey, Mid-Coast and Port Macquarie Hastings Recovery centre opens in Kempsey region Bus taskforce launches white paper for better bus services Entries open for the National Banksia Sustainability Awards Zig Zag Railway back on track AIME expansion announced |
| 20 October 2023 | Biggest ever NSW cruise season kicks off More cruises for Port of Newcastle NSW cruise revival leads the nation Destination NSW supports cruise industry NSW in the spotlight at SXSW Sydney A-Leagues announces Unite Round Sydney Opera House anniversary song First Aboriginal Languages Week Gadigal railway station for Sydney Australasia’s best bar revealed Turning up live music in NSW September surge for Sydney Airport traffic Chinese visitor numbers rapidly rise Register for ‘Sell Online’ workshops Sustainability skills micro-credentials Inbound strategy workshops ATEC online learning for hosts Coffs Harbour marine park saved Applications open for ATE 2024 Australian Fashion Week 2024 events Cheaper public transport on Fridays Last chance to register for ‘Elevating your culinary experience’ webinar NSW Regional Development Advisory Council established Supercharge your small business at a Service NSW business booth New resource helps NSW prepare for natural disasters Trade subcommittee tables interim report on international education $16 million for Crown reserve improvements Stockton Beach erosion addressed |
| 13 October 2023 | The value of SXSW to the NSW visitor economy Extended trading hours for SXSW Sydney The Agritourism and fine dining opportunity in NSW Destination NSW hosts agritourism and culinary experience webinars Caravan and camping nights hit record high in NSW The top 10 visited national parks in NSW Vivid Sydney wins Grand Pinnacle Award Valuing 50 years of Sydney Opera House Destination NSW heads to G’Day Australia Sydney stars in Say G’Day campaign International arrivals for August 2023 Aviation Green Paper submissions NSW dining triumphs in TripAdvisor awards Australian Fashion Laureate winners Sydney improves sustainability rating Sustainability skills micro-credentials Register for ‘Sell Online’ workshops Destination NSW joins leaders symposium IMAX reopens at Darling Harbour Fullerton Hotel Sydney voted No.1 Australian Regional Tourism Convention Business events boom for Newcastle Join the Reflections Holiday Parks board All aboard Redfern Station’s new lifts Mundi Mundi Bash unveils 2024 line-up Urban surfing facility for Western Sydney $64 million for priority riparian repair work New Australia Cruise Association executives and management appointments On-grass parking to remain available to Moore Park Rail Trail awarded Best Regional Project in NSW Sustainability accreditation for Sofitel Darling Harbour ICC Sydney’s 100 per cent local approach champions Orange wine producers W Sydney officially opens Gamebox attraction for Darling Harbour |
| 29 September 2023 | Stellar speakers join Destination NSW Visitor Economy Forum International Visitor Recovery: NSW leads the nation The value of Aboriginal tourism to NSW Business events revival for NSW New research shows strong comeback for business events Lakemba receives Purple Flag status Indian visitor growth surpasses 2019 levels Chinese tour groups return Sydney Opera House celebrates 50 years Oyster artwork for Sydney Opera House Cirrus wins Australia’s Wine List of the Year White Bay to host Biennale NSW Government backs Koori Knockout NRL celebrates Grand Final Week Powerhouse Museum Parramatta donation Regional and remote arts tours Broken Hill Trades Hall heritage bid Investing in Sydney koalas Rex reduces regional network Deni Ute Muster kicks off Changes to Byron Bay short-term rentals Agritourism business guide $10 million for Aboriginal organisations $23 million splash for Surf Life Saving ICC Sydney recognised in national equality program Queenscliff ready for summer service boost BeatlesFest 7 Valleys launches |
| 22 September 2023 | NSW 2023-24 State Budget shapes the future of the visitor economy Australians turn to arts and culture NSW celebrates hotel boom worth billions The countries driving international arrivals to NSW Sydney Marathon makes history Register for Visitor Economy Forum Counting down to SXSW Sydney Bushfire tips for businesses ARIA Awards nominees revealed Sydney named top city for ‘workation’ Vote for the best pub in NSW Destination NSW creates youth content Aboriginal cultural grants Australian Reptile Park turns 75 Take 3 for the Sea CEO clean up Australia-China Student Symposium EOIs extended for Vivid Food 2023 North America director for BESydney Sydney Airport appoints new CEO Destination NSW hosts Silversea famil West Side Story returns to Handa Opera Supercharging the shift to EVs in NSW Parramatta Light Rail stage 2 picks up steam NSW Regional Development Trust Fund CLIA appoints new Director of Government Affairs in Australia Blue Plaque for Daniel Gowing at Tathra Wharf 2023 ATEC Awards for Excellence Registrations open for Rural Women’s Gathering |
| 15 September 2023 | Great Southern Nights returns to venues across NSW Spectator festival for Sydney Marathon NSW leads internation visitor recovery Domestic trips & spend rise World Cup boosts Sydney hotel performance Vivid Sydney wins top award NSW events triumph at awards night EOIs closing for Vivid Food Register for Visitor Economy Forum Emirates partners with Destination NSW Aussies prioritise concerts & travel International arrivals for July 2023 Say G’Day boosts China arrivals International student arrivals double Travel reclaims its share of wallet Share your news with Destination NSW New branding & website for BESydney Sustainable Tourism Partnership Plans for Great Koala National Park SXSW Sydney honours 50 years of Hip Hop Black Mirror creator joins SXSW Sydney Supporting the future of event management Keys to Qtopia handed over TINA stars to perform at NRL Grand Final Parkes Elvis Festival unveils theme 2023-24 NSW Budget Sydney’s Accor Stadium grandstand renamed in honour of Cathy Freeman OAM New emergency fund to prioritise regional road repair Huskisson wins at tourism awards Major art and cultural exhibitions to tour the country Wollongong to roll out e-scooters New and improved Bay Run Free tour guide training session Peppers arrives at Manly Beach Transport Heritage Expo returns Penrith hosts annual Real Festival South Coast Centre of Excellence survey How to become superyacht crew |
| 8 September 2023 | NSW Visitor Economy Forum secures Google leader Secure your session at the Visitor Economy Forum Premium New Year’s Eve vantage points now free for public viewing The value of tourism to Sydney Surrounds North Aviation green paper open for feedback SXSW Sydney Screen Festival shorts Aboriginal small business events Margan triumphs at Hunter Wine Show Business confidence jumps in NSW Consumer confidence rises Inbound travel boosts economy Arival conducts travel survey International student spending surges Share your news with Destination NSW Powerhouse Ultimo to be revitalised ACCI welcomes air service inquiry Funding to ensure disaster recovery and preparedness Boring breakthrough for Western Sydney Airport terminal station New report shows cruise industry environmental progress |
| 1 September 2023 | Register now: NSW Visitor Economy Forum - Building Momentum to 2030 NSW lifts COVID-19 cruising protocols Cruise industry gathers in Wollongong Port Kembla: A ‘strong option’ for new cruise terminal CLIA prepares for Cruise360 The value of tourism to Sydney Surrounds South NSW increases share of international arrivals Corporate travel demand builds ICC Sydney doubles economic contribution Destination NSW Board visits Sapphire Coast Growth for NSW Visitor Centres Destination NSW gives sustainability update Tomaree Coastal Walk officially opens Skyscanner releases Sydney travel guide New cultural precinct for Sydney CBD Supporting the future of event management New look ARIA Awards in November Sierra Escape unveils tiny house in Mudgee Medium business support grant extended to Central West and Southern NSW Qantas Group removes expiry date on COVID-19 credits Tacita Dean exhibition for Sydney SOHO House heads to SXSW Sydney New electronic fire danger rating signs to keep NSW safer Registrations open for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Walk for Wellness 2023 |
| 25 August 2023 | NSW prepares for record cruise season Shining a spolight on cruising Destination NSW heads to cruise conference The value of tourism to Country & Outback NSW Events boost country and outback visitor economies ‘Feel New in Broken Hill’ campaign success Women’s World Cup wins for NSW Platypus named after Aussie icons New face of sport at Stadium Australia Sporting legacy for women & girls Qantas adds more than 250,000 seats China tops NSW arrivals for July Rex on top for reliability Virgin partners with Luxury Escapes Third transplantation conference for Sydney Australia Marketplace China 2023 Wristbands & day passes for SXSW Sydney Outdoor industry position on climate change survey 2023 E-scooters roll into Armidale Countdown to Manly Jazz begins 2023 Awards of Excellence entries open |
| 18 August 2023 | World Cup gives $3billion boost to NSW visitor economy Sydney lights up for play-off match Sydney scores second FIFA conference & community tournament The value of tourism to Central West NSW New China visitor data released Overseas arrivals for June Share your news with us Qantas unveils ‘Yes’ aircraft AFTA reveals new name & strategy Open for Lunch accolade Caravan park grants hit the spot Caravan industry ecotourism program Green Travel Leaders 2023 Sturt’s Steps Touring Route launches Allianz Stadium concert cap review ACCC airport monitoring report World’s most Instagrammed beaches Manly Scenic Walkway accolade New Chair for Venues NSW JT Travels heads to Orange and Mudgee Events Mentoring Program applications closing Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp to honour Aboriginal culture Industry road map guides caravan parks out of insurance hard cycle Tank Stream Hotel to be rebranded Work to start on pop-up park at Pyrmont Motorsport Innovation Precinct for Western Sydney First Bus Industry Taskforce Report released 2024 NSW Seniors Festival |
| 11 August 2023 | Help shape the future of arts and culture in NSW FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 lights up NSW visitor economy Live screens for fans at Olympic Park Watershed moment for women’s sport Chinese tour groups set to return to NSW Aplications open for UK & Europe Roadshow G-Flip’s Skyway performance ATDW trnsformation update Vivid Sydney finalist in event awards First Nations Mentoring Program Sydney CBD retail vacancy recovery Caravanning July sentiment report Household spending slows Pick-your-own farm exemptions Geotrail experiece for Far West Global air traffic recovers from COVID-19 WSI flight path information sessions Direct Newcastle to Narrabri flights Vintage rail journey to Bathurst 1000 Women’s golf to boost regional economies ValleyWays Festival returns New Tourism Autralia board members New chief executive for LGNSW Enter the 2023 Sustainability Awards Kandinski exhibition for Sydney Sydney studios visit the global heart of digital gaming Western Sydney tree tech provides 1500 homes for animals Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival 2024 event applications open Prestigious gliding event for Narromine Gone Fishing Day grants Hyam’s Beach named 10th best in world |
| 4 August 2023 | Five-star future for Western Sydney visitor economy Penrith debuts first luxury hotel Western Sydney to come alive after five Have your say on arts and culture in Greater Sydney First community cabinet for Western Sydney Powerhouse Parramatta to hold hospitality industry briefing The value of tourism to the Murray ‘Feel New in the Murray’ campaign success Sydney lights up for Women’s World Cup More records broken during World Cup New board members for BESydney New national park in outback NSW Mundi Mundi to break Nutbush record World Indigenous Peoples Day Perfect Plate award winners Logies put Sydney in the spotlight Shopping tourism insights Boutique hotels outpace larger rivals Concerts deliver for Newcastle economy IVS and NVS results for May 2023 Better business events data on the way Miss Saigon in final weeks of rehearsal Grants open for wine and cider producers Applications open to fund spring holiday break activities $200,000 in grants to keep NSW seniors connected 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade date and theme revealed Accommodation Australia holds first board meeting in Canberra Record attendance for Marketplace India Swansea Channel dredging begins Sydenham to Bankstown Metro section confirmed Rex Airlines adds dedicated Broken Heel Festival 2023 flight NRL & NRLW Grand Final tickets go on sale |
| 29 July 2023 | FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand smashes records P&O celebrates 90 years of Sydney cruising Visitors boost North Coast economy by $5.5 billion North Coast’s best tourism businesses revealed Coffs Harbour’s $747 million tourism bonanza Regional tourism data released New SXSW Sydney speakers announced EOIs open for Vivid Sydney 2024 Destination NSW joins Uptown event Sydney secures NRL Grant Final Counting down to Logies 2023 June airline on-time performance New Sydney Airport forecourt opens Funding to celebrate first Aboriginal Languages Week $10 million boost to prepare for bushfire season $12.5 million in Community Infrastructure Grants open $9.1 million boost to help flood-affected communities $7.5 million for tourism workers Biennale Sydney vision revealed Tamworth Regional Events Strategy 2023-2030 D’Vine long weekend event UFC fans get chance to secure tickets Selwyn Snow Resort reopens |
| 22 July 2023 | FIFA Women’s World Cup special edition: Football fans flock to NSW Fans kick on with extended trading hours Sydney Airport welcomes players and fans Hotel booking spike in Western Sydney Game on at FIFA Fan Festival site Penguins predict Matildas win Tournament to draw one billion viewers Lighting up routes to the Cup Tourism Australia launches Cup campaign Accommodation Awards winners New appointees to Venues NSW board June traffic surge for Sydney Airport China Eastern resumes direct Nanjing route ‘Indian crown jewel’ in Harris Park Multicultural festival funding Boosting Illawarra nightlife Northern Rivers Rail Trail success British & Irish Lions head to NSW Funding for Parramatta projects Tourism Australia updates Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander reference guide New Gundungurra Indigenous Tours at Scenic World Enter the 2023 NSW Sustainability Awards EV kerbside charging grants to reduce worries Blue Plaque commemorates Quong Tart 2023 North Coast Tourism Symposium Somewhere New competition launches National Youth Championships for Wollongong |
| 14 July 2023 | NSW to launch first arts, culture and creative industries policy Plans to transform Sydney’s western habour First Nations park design unveiled for Barangaroo Fastest marathon on record for Sydney AIME expressions of interest open NSW caravan and camping boom Central River City group meets Fleet upgrade for Virgin Australia Wallabies take on Argentina Travellers vote Sydney hotels number one Chloe Dalton visits Destination NSW Overseas arrivals to NSW in May 2023 Internation student arrivals rise Cultural heritage conference for Sydney Egyptian treasures for Australian Museum Green vision for Broadway Kyogle observatory accolade Penrith to host first community cabinet meeting of 2023 Discretionary spending lower Regional ramp-up for Uber Eats NSW Government announces independent gaming reform panel Australia’s first ai-generated pop-up restaurant to open in Sydney FlyPelican announces Albury to Canberra service Bonza cuts routes due to low demand New date for CLIA Awards |
| 7 July 2023 | FIFA Women’s World Cup to inject $21 million into NSW visitor economy The ultimate Matildas experience for fans Stars light up ICC Sydney as it counts down to SXSW Sydney The economic impact of Sydney WorldPride Destination NSW celebrates NAIDOC Week Funding supports NAIDOC Week Framework to connect with Country NSW invites China to Come Say G’Day Taylor Swift’s economic impact Western Sydney Conference Centre update Wollongong hosts cruise conference Sydney Western Harbour transforms ATEC online learning for hosts Ultimate NSW winery experiences Sydney Metro starts tunnelling to WSI Sydney tour among the best of the best Newcastle Airport fly through Tourism Research Australia domestic tourism April 2023 results South Coast island nature reserve dual named 40th anniversary of Aboriginal land rights Local elders share cultural burning knowledge $300 million invested in local suppliers for new Sydney Fish Markets Accommodation associations officially merge Australia’s working holiday maker program Australian Bureau of Statistics seeks feedback to help shape labour market Former Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO launches Thursday Group $41 million to improve road safety in the regions Moama Lights Sound and Light Show cancelled |
