NSW NUMBER ONE FOR
FOOD TOURISM
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NSW is serving up a feast for visitors, with new data confirming the state is Australia’s number one destination for food tourism, attracting billions of dollars in visitor spending.
NSW welcomed 5.1 million domestic overnight food tourism visitors in 2025, who spent $5.6 billion during their trips. The state also led the nation for international food tourism, welcoming 1.2 million international culinary visitors, an increase of 5.7 per cent year-on-year, who spent $6.6 billion in the state, up 21 per cent.
The figures highlight the growing importance of food tourism to the NSW visitor economy, with visitors seeking out experiences that connect them with local produce, passionate producers, restaurants, markets and regional communities. |
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AGRITOURISM SUMMIT HEADS TO THE TWEED
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The AgriTourism Summit was held in The Tweed region from 20-21 October 2026, bringing together leaders from agriculture, tourism, business, branding and visitor experience.
Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event featured a refreshed format designed to help farmers, producers, tourism operators and regional businesses identify new income opportunities. Destination NSW Visitor Experiences Manager, Culinary and Agritourism Adriana Buik joined a panel session on designing visitor experiences and making them profitable. |
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QATAR AIRWAYS SECURED FOR WESTERN
SYDNEY AIRPORT
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Qatar Airways will fly into Western Sydney International Airport from December 2027, connecting the world with Australia’s third-largest economic region.
Secured with support from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, the new route is a major win for local tourism, businesses and jobs.
Administered by Destination NSW, the Take-Off Fund is forecast to attract more than 162,000 international visitors to NSW and generate an estimated $530 million in visitor expenditure.
Learn more here. |
COMMERCIAL PASSENGER SERVICES TAKE OFF
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Passenger services will take off from Western Sydney International Airport on Sunday 25 October 2026. Jetstar will be the first airline to fly passengers from the airport. From opening day, Jetstar will operate daily flights between the Gold Coast and Western Sydney, with up to 14 flights a week between Melbourne and Western Sydney.
The first international flight will land on Monday 26 October, with Air New Zealand operating three services a week from Auckland. |
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REGISTER: NSW VISITOR ECONOMY FORUM |
The NSW Visitor Economy Forum will return to ICC Sydney on 9 November 2026. Featuring the theme Unlocking Growth, the Forum will examine the trends, opportunities and priorities shaping the future of the NSW visitor economy. |
| | CELEBRATE NSW TOURISM AWARDS |
The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards will be held alongside the NSW Visitor Economy Forum for the first time, creating a major new gathering for the state’s visitor economy at ICC Sydney on 9 November 2026. Tickets are on sale for the awards ceremony. |
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ACCOLADE FOR VIVID SYDNEY |
Vivid Sydney 2026 has won Best Tourism Event at the 2026 Australian Event Awards and Symposium. The national awards program and conference for the Australian events industry was held in Coffs Harbour from 20-21 October 2026. |
| | WESTERN SYDNEY TOURISM AWARDS |
The Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce hosted the Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026 on 16 October. Tourism Business of the Year was awarded to Cabravale Club Resort (Platinum) and The William Inglis Hotel - MGallery Collection (Gold). |
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KINGS OF LEON JOIN SYDNEY SUMMERTIME |
Sydney Summertime has announced Kings of Leon as the next headliner for the inaugural concert series. The band will perform at Centennial Park on 28 February 2027. Sydney Summertime is proudly supported by Destination NSW. |
| | SELLER APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR ATE27 |
Tourism Australia has opened seller applications for Australian Tourism Exchange 2027. Australia’s largest annual travel and tourism event will be held in Sydney from 16-20 May 2027. Destination NSW is offering two programs to support businesses to attend. |
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REGISTER FOR NEON FORUM 2026 |
Night-time economy conference NEON Forum 2026 will be held in Sydney on 4-5 November. Speakers from around the globe will share insights on the future of cities after dark. The event will provide an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, creators and community voices to help shape the state's night-time economy. |
| | SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SUMMIT 2026 |
The 2026 Social Enterprise Summit & Festival will be held in Sydney from 13-14 November. The two‑day program is designed to showcase the diversity and economic contribution of social enterprise across the state.
It will explore how purpose‑led business models are shaping the visitor economy and regional development. |
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VIVID SYDNEY FIRST NATIONS LIGHT ACCELERATOR LAUNCHES: The initiative will provide emerging First Nations artists with opportunities to showcase their work at the festival. Learn more
SHELLHARBOUR TO HOST 2027 AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL TOURISM CONVENTION: The convention will explore emerging trends, share best practice and discuss opportunities for regional tourism. Learn more
CREATIVE STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT LAUNCHES: The legislated three-year report highlights the importance of the creative industries, giving insight into the health and sustainability of the sector. Learn more
ROUND TWO OF NSW GOVERNMENT'S NET ZERO PLANNING GRANT: Funding is available to eligible businesses to help develop and progress their net zero plans. Learn more
SOUTHWEST METRO TO OPEN 30 OCTOBER 2026: Bankstown through the CBD to the northwest will be connected on one continuous Metro line. Learn more
'FISH MAGNETS' RETURN TO NSW COASTLINE: Recreational fishers now have more opportunities to target prized offshore game fish, with the NSW Government deploying its annual Fish Aggregating Device network at 34 locations from Tweed Heads to Eden. Learn more |
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