RECORD YEAR FOR BUSINESS EVENTS
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Business Events Sydney delivered a record year in FY2025–26, securing 104 global and national business events that will bring 77,000 delegates and an estimated $345 million in direct expenditure to NSW.
The business events sector has been identified as a key growth priority in the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, delivering high-value visitors who stay longer, spend more and create year-round demand for accommodation, venues and visitor experiences across the state. The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows NSW welcomed 7.8 million business event visitors in the year ending June 2026, who stayed 12.9 million visitor nights and spent $6.3 billion. |
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BUMPER CRUISE SEASON FOR NEWCASTLE
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The arrival of the Crown Princess into Newcastle Harbour this week has officially launched a bumper cruise season for the region, with more than 30,000 cruise passengers set to visit over the coming months.
A record 18 cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Newcastle between October 2026 and April 2027, including five maiden arrivals, making it the city's biggest cruise season to date. The cruise sector is estimated to contribute around $20 million to the region's visitor economy each year. |
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BATHURST 1000 REVS UP VISITOR ECONOMY
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Around 200,000 fans are expected trackside at the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000 from 8-11 October.
Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the race is one of Australia's biggest regional sporting events, generating more than $41 million in visitor expenditure for the region in 2025. |
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VALE TOURISM LEADER BRUCE BAIRD AM |
Bruce Baird AM, a long-standing advocate for Australia’s visitor economy and a key figure in securing the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, has passed away aged 84. Destination NSW extends its condolences to his children Julia, Steve and Mike, and to his family, friends and colleagues. |
| | GOLDEN WEEK BOOST FOR NSW |
Trip.com Group data shows Sydney was one of the top destinations for Chinese travellers during the recent Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays (25 September to 7 October 2026). Flight bookings to Australia rose 19 per cent year-on-year as a result of the extended holiday period. |
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NSW VISITOR ECONOMY FORUM |
Join industry leaders, government, researchers and innovators at ICC Sydney on 9 November for the NSW Visitor Economy Forum 2026: Unlocking Growth. The event will explore the trends shaping the future of tourism. |
| | NSW TOURISM AWARDS FINALISTS |
The NSW Tourism Association has announced the finalists for 2026 NSW Tourism Awards. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, winners will be announced at ICC Sydney on 9 November, following the NSW Visitor Economy Forum. |
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WORLD'S BEST ISLANDS FOR 2026 |
Lord Howe Island has been named among the top five best islands in Australasia and the South Pacific at the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. |
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NATURE-BASED TOURISM SURGE |
According to a new report from Hilton around 75 per cent of Australians say fresh air and the outdoors are essential to how they relax while travelling. |
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BUSINESS NSW TO ATTEND FACTS 2026 |
Business Events NSW will attend FACTS 2026—one of Australia's leading forums for conference and event professionals—from 25-26 November, showcasing the diverse business event experiences available across regional NSW. |
| | ADVENTURE ACTIVITY STANDARDS UPDATE |
The Outdoor Council of Australia has released Version 2.0 of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard, marking the first comprehensive review of the national framework since its launch in 2019. |
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AUSTRALIAN TOURISM DATA WAREHOUSE MASTERCLASS: Destination NSW is hosting a free webinar on 11 November 2026 to help businesses market their products online. Learn more
ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM WEBINARS: Destination NSW is hosting two free webinars to help businesses be more accessible and inclusive. Learn more
LICENSING OPTIONS FOR NSW LIQUOR PRODUCERS: Liquor & Gaming NSW will host a webinar on 15 October 2026, including a presentation from Destination NSW on business support. Learn more
FIRST UFC FIGHT NIGHT IN SYDNEY SINCE 2017: Supported by Destination NSW, the event will be held at Afterpay Arena on 7 February 2027. Learn more
REFORMS PROTECT NATIVE WILDLIFE IN CENTRAL WEST: More than 15,000 hectares of wildlife habitat across the Central-West Orana region will be protected and restored by the NSW Government. Learn more PINK LAKES JOIN NSW NATIONAL PARKS ESTATE: Pulgamurtie Station, home to two pink lakes, has been jointly purchased by the NSW and Australian Governments, protecting more than 70 threatened species. Learn more
EVEREST BREAKS MORE RECORDS: 52,000 tickets have been sold for Everest Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse on 17 October 2026. Learn more |
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