NSW SHINES AT TOP TOURISM
TOWN AWARDS

Sydney By Kayak founder Laura Stone has been named Australia’s Top Tour Guide for 2026 at Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

Winners were announced by the Australian Tourism Industry Council during a ceremony at Parliament House, Canberra.

Kiama won Silver in the Top Tourism Town category, while Gulgong received Silver in the Small Tourism Town category.

Learn more here.

SYDNEY'S BEST BUSINESSES REVEALED

Sydney By Kayak also triumphed at the 2026 Sydney Business Awards, receiving two accolades: Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Sustainable Tourism & Outstanding Visitor Experience.  

Shangri-La Sydney and the Song Hotel were among other visitor economy businesses recognised by the awards program.

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BUMPER SEPTEMBER FOR REGIONAL EVENTS

Destination NSW is supporting nine grassroots events across the state during September through the 2026-27 Regional Event Fund.

The Regional Event Fund has been backing regional communities since 1996, with more than 650 events receiving a total of $17 million.

This month's event line-up includes Woolgoolga Curryfest, Newcastle's New Annual 2026 and Broken Hill's Rainbow in the Outback.

Learn more here. 

SPRING HOLIDAY RUSH AT SYDNEY AIRPORT

Sydney Airport is preparing for a busy spring school holiday period, with an estimated 2.67 million passengers transiting through its terminals between 21 September and 11 October 2026. 

The busiest day for domestic travel during the period will be 2 October, with almost 94,000 passengers expected.

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MAJOR NSW HOTEL PIPELINE ANNOUNCED

Global hotel group IHG has revealed plans for multiple hotels across NSW.

The projects include Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Hotel Indigo Gosford, Staybridge Suites Sydney Parramatta and Staybridge Suites Sydney Leppington.

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EXTENDED TRADING FOR WORLD CUP

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will kick off on 15 October, proudly supported by Destination NSW. Four additional 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches have been approved for special event extended trading.

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TWEED AGRITOURISM CONFERENCE

The 2026 Agri & Aqua Tourism Summit will return to The Tweed from 20-21 October, proudly supported by Destination NSW. The program will help farmers and regional businesses identify new income opportunities.

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https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/winds-of-change-as-nsws-largest-power-point-nears-completion-at-white-bay

CRUISE POWER PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION

Port Authority of NSW's project to deliver shore power for cruise ships at White Bay is approaching completion. Cruise ships will begin testing and connecting to shore power during the 2026-27 cruise season.

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TOP VISITOR MARKETS FOR NSW

New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows growth in six international markets during July 2026. Trips to NSW from China, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, India and Taiwan increased year-on-year.

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MURU NANGAMAI OFFICIALLY OPENS

The Muru Nangamai/Pathway to Dreaming walk has opened at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. The walk invites visitors to connect with Country and features artworks created in collaboration with Dharawal Elders and Knowledge-holders.

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ABORIGINAL BUSINESS STRATEGY

The NSW Government has launched its first NSW Aboriginal Business Strategy, a five-year plan that will see Aboriginal businesses and government work in partnership to reduce barriers and drive further growth and innovation across the sector.

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AIDA RETURNS TO SYDNEY HARBOUR

The most successful opera in the history of Opera Australia’s harbourside event will return in 2027. Verdi’s Aida will play at Mrs Macquaries Point from 27 March to 25 April. Aida on Sydney Harbour is proudly supported by Destination NSW.

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INDIGENOUS BUSINESS EXPO

The Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo will return on 23 October 2026. Held at Novotel Wollongong, it will showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, products, creatives and entrepreneurs from across the region. 

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AUSTRALIAN TOURISM DATA WAREHOUSE WEBINARS: Destination NSW is hosting two free webinars to help businesses market their products online. Learn more

ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM WEBINARS: Destination NSW is hosting three free webinars to help businesses be more accessible and inclusive. Learn more

H5 BIRD FLU ADVICE: The NSW Government has shared information and resources for tourism businesses. Learn more

CAPELLA SYDNEY RANKED BEST HOTEL IN OCEANIA: The 50 Best Hotels 2026 list also ranked the hotel as 16th best in the world. Learn more

APAC CONCERTGOERS REPORT 2026: A new YouGov survey has found almost six in 10 concertgoers have travelled to watch their favourite artist. Learn more

SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK UPGRADE: The NSW Government has provided a first look at the new Sydney Olympic Park metro station and surrounds. Learn more

PARRAMATTA FLOWER FESTIVAL: Weekend in Wistaria will bloom in Parramatta Park from 19-20 September 2026, proudly hosted by the NSW Government. Learn more

UPGRADES FOR BARANGAROO SWIM SPOT: The NSW Government is delivering additional grassed area, landscaping and dedicated changing facilities to meet visitor demand. Learn more

CROWN LAND REFORMS PASS IN NSW PARLIAMENT: The reforms will make it easier to manage Crown land and cut red tape. Learn more

GEORGE STREET REVITALISATION: The final stage of the NSW Government project will establish a permanent pedestrian-friendly corridor from Central Station to The Rocks. Learn more

BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR NSW PARKLANDS: The NSW Government’s Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026 has passed through Parliament. Learn more

 
 

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