WELCOME TO OUR NEW-LOOK NEWSLETTER
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Highlights in this week's newsletter include Destination NSW's Western Sydney International Airport famil program, two new airlines for Sydney Airport, record passengers for Newcastle Airport and much more. |
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WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT FAMILS
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Destination NSW showcased Western Sydney International Airport and its gateway locations to key stakeholders from 2–5 September 2026. Three famils were hosted in the Southern Highlands, Western Sydney and Blue Mountains, ahead of passenger services taking off at the airport on 25 October 2026. |
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FIJI AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES WESTERN
SYDNEY ROUTE
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Fiji Airways is the latest international airline to join Western Sydney International Airport. From 20 March 2027, Fiji Airways will operate three weekly flights between Nadi and Western Sydney. Airlines servicing the new 24-hour gateway will also include Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand. |
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RECORD NUMBER OF AIRLINES FOR
SYDNEY AIRPORT
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A record 55 airlines will fly into Sydney Airport in 2027, with EgyptAir announcing plans to launch a new service connecting Cairo, Singapore and Sydney.
The route will strengthen connections between Australia and Egypt, with NSW home to the country's largest Egyptian community. Learn more here. |
NEW CHINA-SYDNEY ROUTE ANNOUNCED
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Sydney Airport is set to welcome its latest China-based carrier, with Shenzhen Airlines launching its inaugural four-times-weekly service between Shenzhen and Sydney on 14 December 2026.
The new service will bring the number of weekly flights between mainland China and Sydney to more than 100 during the upcoming Christmas and Lunar New Year peak periods. |
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NEW WEBINARS: ATDW SKILLS
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Destination NSW is hosting two free webinars to help businesses market their products online through the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW). An introduction to ATDW will be held on 16 September 2026, followed by an ATDW masterclass on 11 November. |
| | NEW WEBINARS: ACCESSIBLE TOURISM |
Destination NSW is hosting three free webinars to help businesses be more accessible and inclusive: Physical Access & Inclusion (22 September 2026), Tips for Online Accessibility Resources (22 October) and International Day of People with a Disability (3 December). |
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JAPAN & KOREA MARKETPLACE EVENT |
Destination NSW joined Tourism Australia’s Australia Marketplace Japan & Korea 2026 event from 2-4 September 2026. NSW delegates met with 72 buyers to discuss new opportunities.
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TOURISM TALKS AT INDIAN MISSION |
The NSW Government's first-ever trade mission to India delivered a number of opportunities for NSW, including discussions with Air India and tourism operators on making it easier for more people to visit. |
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SYDNEY TO HOST LEADING HOTEL EVENT |
NoVacancy, the leading exhibition and conference for the hotel and accommodation industry, will return to ICC Sydney from 23-24 September 2026. The event will bring together more than 6000 delegates, with guest speakers including Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones. |
| | RECORD NEWCASTLE AIRPORT PASSENGERS |
Newcastle Airport welcomed a record 1,300,775 passengers in FY26, up 10 per cent year-on-year. Routes from Bali, Perth and Hobart contributed more than 94,000 additional passengers. Momentum continued in July 2026, with 112,689 passengers travelling through the airport. |
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NSW Wine Month will return in November, proudly supported by Destination NSW. This year's celebration will include more events, wineries and venues, alongside the flagship Sydney Cellar Door in The Rocks. |
| | GROWING 'SPORTCATION' TREND |
Active holidays or ‘sportcations’ have been identified as the next big travel trend by Trip.com Group. The online travel agency has reported a double-digit increase in bookings, with Australia among the top five destinations. |
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UPGRADED ADVISORY SERVICE FOR NSW SMALL BUSINESSES: The NSW Government has launched the $37 million Small Business Advisory Program, which will provide free expert support. Learn more
NSW SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: The awards program celebrates trailblazers and innovators who are creating a more sustainable future for NSW. Entries close on 23 September 2026. Learn more
NEW ERA FOR THE HUNTER AS M1 EXTENSION OPENS: The new 15km motorway connection between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace has closed a missing link on the Sydney-Brisbane motorway. Learn more
FITCH AFFIRMS NSW TRIPLE-A CREDIT RATING: The global ratings agency cited the state’s diversified economy, resilient labour market and steady population growth. Learn more
NSW GOVERNMENT BACKS COUNCILS TO HOST MULTICULTURAL FESTIVALS: Local councils will receive $2.5 million in funding to help deliver multicultural festivals next year. Learn more
2026 ROY MORGAN TRUSTED BRAND AWARDS: Virgin Australia has been named Australia’s Most Trusted Travel & Tourism Brand for the fourth consecutive year. Learn more
LARGEST CBD SOLAR FARM IN SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE FOR SYDNEY: The NSW Government-owned ICC Sydney has revealed plans to expand its rooftop solar network. Learn more |
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