Tourism and Events Industry News
Destination NSW’s industry bulletin, Insights, is distributed to more than 3,000 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 2021 editions onward are available in the table below.
Previous editions
Insights January - June 2021 | Insights July - December 2021
Insights January - June 2020 | Insights July - December 2020
Insights January - June 2019 | Insights July - December 2019
Most recent editions (January - June 2022)
| Issue | Articles |
|---|---|
| 24 June 2022 | 2022-23 NSW Budget turbocharges visitor economy NSW Budget backs ecotourism First look: Circular Quay transformation Budget secures world-class events calendar More than 2 million passengers to fly in July school holidays Aboriginal flag to fly on Harbour Bridge Boost for women in small business One week left for Dine & Discover vouchers K-POP comes to Qudos Bank Arena Rex expands regional services Link Airways adds Tamworth route Data reveals return to Sydney CBD EV charger boost for NSW CATO membership at all-time high Craft & bushfood at Indigenous Art Fair Gourmet Coast Trail campaign launches Mid North Coast maze wins top award Vouchers boost Reflections holidays Celebrate NSW truffle season YHA back in the black Tourism jobs recovery Thought leaders on global ageing heading to Sydney Future NSW NRL stars the focus of new centres of excellence White Bay transformation WESTINVEST community project grants extended New shareholders and directors for Big Banana Fun Park NSW Sustainability Awards entries now open Overseas travel spend eclipses pre-pandemic levels |
17 June 2022 | New campaign celebrates caravan & camping holidays International arrivals continue to soar Domestic travel boom over long weekend BESydney announces nine Global Ambassadors CBD to Parramatta pathway Hotel execs gather for industry briefing Unrivalled Aboriginal experiences Fast rail on track to transform NSW Hay needs your rainbow vote Wynne Prize to tour NSW for the first time Sydney secures Sail Grand Prix Vivid Sydney supports literacy charity VIP tour of National Indigenous Art Fair EV charging grants information session NSW confirmed as home of cycling UCI legacy partnership grants announced Record funding for multicultural NSW Lego exhibition a hit at Australian Museum Sydney stacks up on digital performance Making wishes come true at Vivid Sydney Bangarra Dance Theatre brings Sandsong to Sydney Opera House Upgrades to Opal system Events training program Blue Mountains ice skating rink 2022 Grey Nomads Awards open Boost to conservation through biodiversity credits New wharf for North Sydney New Jervis Bay cruise launches Budget boost keeps Lord Howe Island pest free Record investment to future-proof NSW marine estate |
| 10 June 2022 | Vivid Sydney attracts record visitors & boosts restaurant bookings Festival sparks best CBD hotel occupancy figures since 2019 Central Station delivers the goods at Vivid Sydney New Product Workshop boosts bookings for 23 businesses The best wine lists in NSW Allianz Stadium reopening celebration 100 days to 2022 UCI World Championship New street parties coming to Sydney Best start to ski season in 20 years Continuing the truth telling journey Central Coast named as eco destination First look: New Albury Entertainment Centre Dates announced for Bowral Classic Stunning new walk opens in the Snowies Domestic airline industry recovery Sydney Film Festival bonanza George St extends its transformation Central Coast announced as location for artificial reef Free training to deliver in-demand winter skills QT Newcastle officially opens Golden re-entry to NSW national parks for extinct bandicoots Western Parkland City Authority to be located in new office building in Penrith NSW launches first virtual student hub Important koala population discovered in Kosciuszko National Park |
3 June 2022 | Destination NSW commemorates National Reconciliation Week Some National Reconciliation Week highlights Biggest ever opening weekend for Vivid Sydney Watch: How Australian Tourism Exchange turbocharged the NSW visitor economy Join the Central Coast 5 Lands Walk National Indigenous Art Fair Vivid Sydney Later initiative launches $18 million to energise the great outdoors Grants support arts flood recovery Mary Poppins flies into Sydney Sapphire Coast to shine at inaugural Wanderer Festival NSW vouchers toolkit released to help businesses Tastes Like Home meets Michael Rantissi Philip Hele named 2022 Living Tourism Legend Sunrise visits Shellharbour & Robertson NSW Tourism Awards nominations closing soon Small Business Strategy to chart future course Heritage building to inspire creative talent Regional NSW in fast lane to lead autonomous vehicle technology $10 million to boost women-led startups Sydney Gateway project takes off Multi-million dollar arts and culture boost 100 days to go until Night at the Barracks |
| 27 May 2022 | Lights on for Vivid Sydney 2022! Experience First Light tonight Ken Done’s love letter to Sydney Fun for all the family at Vivid Sydney All the free fun at Vivid Sydney Youngest-ever artist joins festival NSW voucher boost during Vivid Sydney Vivid Sydney local business program Destination NSW creates gifs Venues light up for longer at Vivid Sydney Gretchen Carlson shares Vivid ideas Bombay Sapphire partners with festival Lights & action on the water Vivid Sydney Supper Club launches The Gospel according to Marcia City of Sydney partners with Vivid X/Celerate Crown Sydney lights up Barangaroo Fashion’s Flash: Back to the Future The business of Baz Audible’s live event series Vivid Music in Eveleigh Vivid Ideas up late Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House Take a cruise to see the lights |
| 20 May 2022 | NSW steals the show at Australian Tourism Exchange 2022 Top NSW Tourism Towns announced Destination NSW heads to LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference New strategies to revitalise Sydney CBD Aquabumps photographs Broken Hill Do Ho Suh exhibition secured for Sydney Reflections Holiday Parks funding Former gaol becomes boutique hotel Central Station transformation Funding to help renew city precincts Medium-sized business flood grant opens Mudgee BBQ & Smoked Meats Festival is back Blak Douglas wins Archibald Prize 2022 ARIA Awards return in November Whale migration makes a splash Barca event to support flood relief JT travels to Penrith & Walsh Bay First hotel announced for Aerotropolis Sydney Surf Pro event returns Private landholders offered funding to protect NSW koala habitat |
| 13 May 2022 | New program accelerates digital skills in NSW visitor economy 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups coming to Sydney Join the largest eco-adventure tourism project in NSW Aquabumps explores the Mid-North Coast AIME generates $120 million in business Nominations open for NSW Tourism Awards Tourism grants for Indigenous businesses Australian cultural icon joins Vivid Sydney Electric vehicle grants drive regional tourism Flood recovery grants fast-tracked Celebrating Australian Fashion Week success SOUND WEST mentorship program announced Kyas Hepworth appointed head of Screen NSW Virgin & United Airlines codeshare agreement announced Australian Tourism Exchange begins this weekend Fans invited to celebrate with Sydney Kings Aboriginal Ancestors reburied in Wellington Singleton to host Firelight Festival from 14-22 May New reserves protect threatened species Have your say on new Narooma wharf Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Information overhaul |
| 6 May 2022 | Stunning new sculpture trail opens in the Snowy Valleys Aquabumps Feels New on Lord Howe Island Qantas announces non-stop flights to Sydney from New York & London Virgin Australia expands its fleet NSW shines at Seatrade Cruise Global 2022 Funding applications open for Crown Reserves Western Sydney to keep lights on for Culture Up Late Northern Rivers flood business support 2022 Narooma Oyster Festival Electric vehicle charging network extends to Broken Hill JT Travels heads to Lightning Ridge & Dubbo Australian Fashion Week launches Harbour heritage gem set for urban renewal Bookings soar for Mother’s Day FIFA delegation tours Stadium Australia Sydney icon becomes new home of Arias National Touch League kicks off Funding to help sports recover from floods Applications open for Fine Food Australia subsidy Digital ticket lottery for Mary Poppins opens Ceremony marks return of Bulagaranda (Mt Yarrowyck) to Aboriginal owners Cruising guidelines announced for WA |
| 29 April 2022 | NSW shines in Aquabumps collaboration Counting down to the lighting of the sails at Vivid Sydney Mundi Mundi celebrates festival success $10,000 Small Business Northern Flood Grant now open New tools to better serve visitors with access needs New rules for international arrivals More funding for Sydney street parties A path forward for walking and cycling in NSW Art Gallery of New South Wales expansion to open in December Projects vying for WestInvest funding Ironman Australia celebrates 35 years Wallabies vs England tickets on sale Funding to transform Taronga Zoo Sky Safari Singleton to host Firelight Festival Great Southern Nights highlights Champion regional NSW as a Destination Network Board Member Green light for new koala haven NSW top of the table for innovation Lord Howe Island’s biodiversity recovering thanks to rodent control |
| 22 April 2022 | Easter travel boosts NSW visitor economy First cruise ship arrives in Sydney Harbour after two-year hiatus Music festival magic returns to NSW Funding to open Newcastle Airport to the world Makeover for Oberon Visitor Information Centre Return to full ANZAC Day services Festivals one-stop shop guide goes live 2022 LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference Vivid Sydney celebrates diversity with LGBTQIA+ line-up Three Opals vs Japan games to be played in NSW next month Duel in the Pool returns to Sydney in August Memorable people & events recognised with Blue Plaques $15 million funding boost for Albury Entertainment Centre Lake Macquarie to host air race event Apply your expertise to conservation Champion regional NSW as a Destination Network Board Member More support for hospitality businesses New dates announced for North Coast Festival of Flavour 900,000 attend 2022 Sydney Royal Easter Show Critically endangered frogs hop back into the wild Update on COVID-19 settings |
| 14 April 2022 | First international cruise ships return to NSW waters Big future for Eden cruise industry It’s not too late to register for Stay NSW & Parents NSW Great Southern Nights reignites live music in NSW New business events video highlights Central Coast Qantas touches down in Broken Hill with Destination NSW Your chance to vote for the 2022 NSW Top Tourism Towns $10 million investment in Powerhouse Parramatta Parkes Elvis Festival returns Blockbuster April for Broken Hill New Sydney Football Stadium close to completion Tamworth Country Music Festival celebrates 50 years Construction begins at Tench Reserve WestInvest Community Project Grants open Have your say on Penrith Stadium redevelopment Cultural focus for regional youth Holiday Break Program Fare-free 12 days of Easter Nominations open for NSW International Student Awards NSW releases Australia’s largest investment in koalas Orange Winter Jazz Festival Sculptures by the Bush Moree on a Plate Shoalhaven to host Celebration of Food |
| 8 April 2022 | Champion regional NSW as a Destination Network Board member Bicentenary celebrations for Sydney Royal Easter Show Centenary celebrations for Country Women’s Association NSW lands India & South Korea routes on runway to recovery FC Barcelona is coming to Sydney Shaping the six cities NSW mega region $25 million to connect communities in regional NSW Expo Dubai spurs international student recovery Bluesfest is back this Easter long weekend $2.5 million to get live music back on stage Australian Fashion Week program launch Wallabies take on England at the SCG Music tribute festival heads to Snowy Mountains Accelerate Sydney Business Events Fund Round 2 opens Business Connect support available for flood victims Macquarie Pier brings Newcastle’s history to life Explore NSW during Great Southern Nights Applications open for film festival funding Mungo Man and Lady to finally rest in peace World-class herbarium to bloom in Western Sydney Crystalbrook launches Climate Control Calories Sydney’s CBD office occupancy data surges |
| 1 April 2022 | Visitor economy braces for its biggest Easter on record Visitor cconomy highlights from Federal Budget Thrive 2030 visitor economy strategy launched Tourism investment stays strong Support for Aboriginal businesses Government announces additional flood recovery support Arts & cultural support for communities Watch: Regional NSW heads to AIME Scenic World lights up the night NSW Parliament passes new event legislation Aerotropolis Precinct Plan revealed Take 3 for the Sea visitor litter program NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards open Watch: World cycling event for Wollongong Rollerama opens at Darling Harbour Working Holiday Makers support flood recovery Age increase for Italian & Danish Working Holiday Makers Explore NSW during Great Southern Nights Sunrise heads to Cowra and Griffith Australian Tourism Exchange to welcome international buyers Destination NSW shortlisted for Mumbrella awards $1.6 billion in WestInvest grants open for community projects Taste of the Beaches tickets now on sale Light rail unearths Parramatta’s history |
| 25 March 2022 | Regional NSW triumphs at 2021 Australian Tourism Awards NSW to host 2022 Australian Tourism Awards Regional NSW showcased at Asia Pacific’s leading meetings & events trade expo Major funding boost drives tourism rebound in regional NSW Seven evocative new ways to Feel NSW Port Stephens preps for race week Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrates 90 years $1 million funding boost for Sydney WorldPride Festival Exciting program for next Blak Markets Festival More support for travel agents Visit the South Coast Ale Trail Allianz secures naming rights at Sydney Football Stadium Watch: Moving new Qantas “I Still Call Australia Home” ad Athletes head to Sydney Olympic Park Destination NSW creates Vivid gifs Explore NSW during Great Southern Nights Phantom of the Opera opens on the Harbour Applications open for three regional touring opportunities Endangered “Goldilocks” bird released for the first time in NSW Record investment in NSW shark mitigation measures Small Business Support Program extended City of Sydney Reboot webinar series is back FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tickets on sale Harnessing regional university capability |
| 18 March 2022 | Vivid Sydney unveils its biggest, brightest, most brilliant program yet Great Southern Nights gets the show back on the road Industry celebrates cruise ship ban lifting Venues announced for Sydney Super Cup Parkes Elvis Festival seeks volunteers Two NSW finalists in Banksia Sustainable Tourism Awards $16 million entertainment boost for NSW CBDs Qantas A380 First Class takes off again Sydney Harbour Bridge lights up NSW Seniors Festival kicks off next week Popular Blue Mountains site reopens Accor Stadium’s new Great Southern Screen unveiled Applications open for 2022 Pat Dixon Scholarship Vale Uncle Max NZ border reopening New Visual Arts Commissioning Program Celebrate Stakes Day with the Australian Turf Club Good luck to all the NSW finalists in the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards Corroboree Frogs return home |
| 11 March 2022 | Sydney shines as global Pride capital Flood recovery assistance for NSW Winners announced at Restaurant & Catering 2022 NSW Celebrating Industry Night Funding boost for Deni Ute Muster NSW mural wins national award Professional development training program launches Sydney counts down to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Sydney’s newest superyacht launches JK-47 prepares for Great Southern Nights 23rd Biennale of Sydney launches Pro Surf heads to Central Coast Big weekend for Surfest 2022 Dolly Parton festival announced for Narromine COVID lease protections extended for small business tenants Explore Hilltops art & cultural trail Follow Destination NSW on LinkedIn |
| 4 March 2022 | Message from the Destination NSW CEO Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrates its 90th anniversary Destination NSW wins Australian Influencer Marketing Award Crowdy Bay puts NSW on the map for international visitors Aviation fund lands Vietnam route Sydney scores new football event Rain won’t stop the Mardi Gras Parade Sydney cultural venues join forces for ad Huge video game venue coming to Sydney Linger longer at special events in 2022 Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct officially opens ICC Sydney continues reconciliation commitment New Macleay Valley nature trail signage Why Pirra is playing Great Southern Nights Waste levy waived for flood-affected areas Grey Nomad Awards & Australian Street Art Awards live-streamed tonight 2022 MEA Mentor Program launches ‘Your City’s Waiting For You’ campaign set to bring back life to the CBD Reintroduced mammals thrive in National Park Dates announced for 2022 Australian Regional Tourism Convention Government enhances temporary visa settings Follow Destination NSW on LinkedIn |
| 25 February 2022 | Bookings buzz as international border reopens Full steam ahead for business events in NSW Have you registered your business for the Stay NSW program? Wotif announces 2022 Aussie Town of the Year winners Scenic World launches world-first premium tourism experience Counting down to Great Southern Nights Historic merger meeting for AA & TAA 9 to 5 The Musical premieres at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre Vivid Sydney launches local business funding program WestInvest funding to transform local communities Fresh multicultural events funding announced Nominations open for NSW Top Tourism Town Awards Destination NSW helps IMM delegates Feel New Princess to put the Royal in Easter Show Experience Badu Gili live Region X launches Bliss Out weekends The Inconvenience Store opens in Batlow |
| 18 February 2022 | Countdown begins for Vivid Sydney 2022 Visitor economy welcomes easing of COVID-19 restrictions NSW parents give vouchers a big thumbs up Tourism Australia launches new campaign Applications open for Small Business Support Program Singleton Arts & Cultural Centre to open next month Gundagai & the Central Coast feature on Weekend Sunrise Arts and culture hits the road to regional NSW in 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup heads to Sydney International student & backpacker boom Semi Permanent festival returns to Sydney Australia’s top state for street art Billagoe listed on State Heritage Register NSW national leader in university collaboration Qantas to continue flying Darwin kangaroo route Strengthening economic and tourism ties with India First look at Central Station transformation Have your say on Faster Payment Terms Policy Business Events Council appoints new Independent Chair Business NSW President and Deputy re-elected Matisse: Life & Spirit exhibition closing soon Register for NSW Small Business Month workshops & events |
| 11 February 2022 | Flight bookings surge following border reopening announcement Business registrations open for Stay NSW vouchers Feel New hits high note on Sydney Harbour Bridge Rex Airlines expansion creates 2500 jobs boost for NSW New Sydney-Broken Hill route creates stronger regional connections Sydney Metro seeks input on new Hunter Street Station Summit explores bringing Sydney CBD back to life Al fresco dining regulations extended to support venues 2022 Australian Surf Rowers League Open heads to Cronulla Sydney gives hometown advantage to Aussie Davis Cup team New residence for reptiles at Taronga Vale ‘Mr Liverpool’ Harry Hunt First Blak Markets for 2022 at La Perouse Escape to nature with PARK’nPAY Blue Mountains announces new festival $15 million for Crown Land upgrades Support for school camp providers Sydney hosts Summer Streets festivals Safety rebate doubles to help small businesses Three Sydney parks set for transformation |
| 4 February 2022 | Full line-up announced for Great Southern Nights Aviation Attraction Fund enables runway to return to NSW NSW Tourism Awards winners announced $1 billion support package for small businesses Businesses encouraged to sign up for Stay NSW voucher program NSW welcomes the Year of the Tiger Attracting more workers to NSW $85 million to bolster performing arts & live music NSW is Australia’s best beach state Australian Fashion Week: The Experience announces program Funding makes Newcastle Art Gallery expansion a reality Funding boost for Maitland Gaol redevelopment Snowy Mountains to host Ultra Trail running event Free RSA courses to ease staff shortages Regional Job Creation Fund Round Two opens Phantom of the Opera cast announced Consumers urged to avoid Viagogo NRL All Stars teams announced Airbnb & Australian Regional Tourism renew partnership Record interest in Small Business Month Rare frog species jumps for joy in new home |
| 28 January 2022 | All invited to the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards Thousands enjoy Australia Day activities on Sydney Harbour COVID-19 restrictions extended Claim your alfresco dining rebate Amy Brown to lead new Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Sydney lights up for T20 World Cup Stadium Australia to host Socceroos qualifier Funding for Mardi Gras Parade parties Consultation closing for Marine Parks Management Plan Regional Seniors Travel Card extended International AACTA winners announced New world-class art museum at Bundanon Sydney gets ready for Year of the Tiger Murray Cod stocks surpass one million Accor announces new Pacific CEO Building Better Regions funding round closing |
| 21 January 2022 | NSW Government provides lifeline for major events & festivals New visa incentives to bring student & backpacker workers to NSW Celebrate Australia Day on Sydney Harbour Rent relief extended for small businesses Central Coast makes its beaches more accessible Sydney revs up for motorsport championship New CEO appointed for Supercars Help take Manly Cove into the future Funding for regional touring performing arts New NSW members join Discover Aboriginal Experiences Don’t miss out on free social media training |
| 14 January 2022 | New Year message from the Destination NSW CEO ELEVATE Sydney takes 2022 to new heights Dramatic ice show debuts on Sydney Harbour Standing ovation for Girl from the North Country Great Lakes Pro kicks off NSW Pro Surf Series Sydney’s winning serve at ATP Cup Shoalhaven City Council launches event support program Arts funding boosts tourism in regional Australia Tamworth Country Music Festival line-up announced Register positive COVID test results with Service NSW Sydney Opera House celebrates Chinese New Year New pin recognises Indigenous RFS volunteers Join the North Coast Festival of Flavour |
