Registrations are now open for the NSW Visitor Economy Forum 2026, which will be held at ICC Sydney on 9 November 2026.

One year on from the launch of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, the focus has shifted from setting the vision to accelerating delivery.

Under the theme Unlocking Growth, the Forum will explore the forces reshaping visitor demand.

Hosted by Destination NSW, the event is free to attend and open to all visitor economy stakeholders from across industry and government.

Learn more here. 

Following its record-breaking debut on London’s West End, Sydney will host the Australian premiere of PADDINGTON The Musical in September 2027.

Sydney is the third city behind London and New York to be asked to ‘please look after this bear’, reinforcing its position as the nation’s capital of musical theatre.

Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the production is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors to Sydney and inject more than $64 million into the visitor economy.

Put your business in the spotlight during Vivid Sydney 2027 by joining its Local Business Program.

Participating bars, restaurants, retailers and on-water operators can promote their businesses to Vivid Sydney audiences through special offers, bespoke menus, events and experiences, giving visitors more reasons to explore the city.

Proudly owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the world’s largest festival of light, food and culture will take place from 28 May to 19 June 2027.

Expressions of interest to join the Local Business Program are now open. 

Learn more here

Vivid Sydney has been recognised with 21 awards at the 2026 International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards, including 12 Gold, six Silver and three Bronze awards.

Vivid Sydney 2026 delivered a strong program across the city, featuring 217 events and more than 2200 sessions across 89 locations.

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 WEBINAR: Destination NSW is hosting a free webinar on 22 October 2026 to help businesses be more accessible and inclusive. Learn more

LES MISÉRABLES TO MAKE ITS SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE DEBUT: Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the production will play in the Joan Sutherland Theatre from 27 August 2027. Learn more

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CREATE GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARK: The National Park Estate (Great Koala National Park Reservations) Bill 2026 will add more than 178,000 hectares of state forest and other Crown land to the estate on the NSW Mid North Coast. Learn more

RAIL BOOST FOR SOUTHERN SYDNEY AND SOUTH COAST: The T4, T8 and South Coast train lines will benefit from a significant increase in services and reliability when a new rail timetable comes into effect on 15 November 2026. Learn more

PROTECT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS FROM SCAMS: The ACCC has advised that scammers are targeting small businesses with fake payment requests and offers. Learn more

THE EVEREST BOOSTS VISITOR ECONOMY: A record 52,000 tickets have been sold for Australia's richest race on turf, which will be held at Royal Randwick Racecourse on 17 October 2026. Learn more

NEW SUPPORT FOR TROPFEST: The NSW Government is supporting Tropfest with $2.7 million in funding over three years. The short film festival will also return to The Domain in 2027. Learn more

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM: Launching on 27 October 2026, the program will assist councils in defining their role in events, improving internal efficiencies, streamlining approval processes and maximising the value events deliver. Learn more

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