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Regional Marketing Strategy

The strategy uses authentic storytelling to drive bookings, longer stays and spending in regional NSW.

Visitors enjoying in-water oyster experience
Merimbula Oyster Tours

The new Regional Marketing Strategy changes how regional NSW is promoted - moving from short‑term campaigns to a more coordinated, always‑on approach focused on driving bookings, longer stays and increased local spend.

The program targets high‑impact experiences and aligns them to the audiences most likely to travel, ensuring marketing effort is focused where it will deliver the greatest return.

The Strategy will showcase the experiences that influence travel decisions; from coastal and nature-based escapes to food, wine and cultural offerings, and connect them to priority markets at scale.

Regional NSW is central to achieving the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, with almost half of the state’s projected $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure expected to be generated outside Greater Sydney. This strategy is designed to accelerate that growth by increasing the visibility and competitiveness of regional destinations.

Developed with input from Destination Networks, local councils and industry, the program is based on detailed regional insights gathered statewide. These have identified the priority experiences, target audiences and market opportunities with the strongest potential to drive visitation in each region.

Delivery will begin with an initial phase of broadcast and streaming activity, followed by sustained, region-led promotion across digital, social, search, PR, influencer and Destination NSW-owned channels, ensuring a consistent, year‑round presence.

This approach is supported by broader investment in aviation growth, major events and visitor experiences - strengthening access, demand and product to support long-term growth across regional NSW.

Feel New in regional NSW

The Regional Marketing Strategy leverages the Feel New brand platform to highlight the distinct feelings that regional destinations across NSW can evoke.

The first phase features Byron Bay, Barrington Coast, Sapphire Coast, Shoalhaven and Port Stephens, each showcasing unique experiences across culture, culinary, nature, wellness, agritourism and journeys.

View all regional videos here.

How to get involved

Create a free ATDW listing

Showcase your tourism offering to a wider audience by creating a free listing on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).

Your listing can appear across Destination NSW consumer websites, giving you access to more than 1.5 million potential visitors each month, both domestic and international.

If you already have a listing, ensure it’s up to date to maximise visibility. Find more information on how to create or update an ADTW listing here.

Access free content assets

Tap into the Destination NSW Content Library to enhance your marketing with high-quality images, videos and editorial copy. With more than 45,000 assets covering Sydney and regional NSW, it’s a valuable resource to help you tell your story and promote your offering. Simply register here to access and download ready-to-use content (subject to Terms & Conditions).

Engage on social media

Be part of the broader campaign conversation by using #FeelNSW in your social posts. These hashtags are monitored by Destination NSW, with opportunities for your content to be reshared to @visitnsw audiences – helping amplify your reach and drive potential leads back to your business.

Support PR, influencer and media opportunities

Destination NSW drives awareness and demand through PR, influencer and media activity. Operators can contribute editorial-ready content, imagery and video for inclusion in media outreach, our monthly Uncovered Media Newsletter, and the Destination NSW Media Centre.

Share compelling, trend-aligned stories with strong visuals and clear points of difference. Submissions may be included in media hosting and broadcast opportunities. Send assets to sydneymedia.info@dnsw.com.au and register for Uncovered.

Please note that submission of content does not guarantee inclusion, with opportunities aligned to campaign priorities, media needs and timing.

Participate in familiarisation visits

Destination NSW’s familiarisation program hosts media and influencers to generate earned coverage across key markets. These curated visits showcase NSW experiences aligned with Feel New priorities.

Operators can participate by hosting, providing access and ensuring media-ready experiences. Involvement helps bring stories to life, supporting high-quality coverage and strengthening global visibility in a competitive tourism market.

Stay informed

Keep up to date with the latest opportunities, insights and visitor economy news by subscribing to Destination NSW’s weekly Insights newsletter, including updates on the Regional Marketing Program.