One year on from the launch of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, the conversation will move from ambition to action at the NSW Visitor Economy Forum 2026.
Hosted by Destination NSW at ICC Sydney on 9 November, the Forum will bring together leaders from across industry and government to explore where the next phase of growth will come from and what it will take to unlock it.
Award-winning journalist Rae Johnston will return as MC, alongside guest speakers from FiftyFive5, CommBank iQ, Tourism Australia, Kantar Australia, Australian Traveller Media and more.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper and Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones will open the Forum, followed by a keynote presentation, “Future Demand: What’s Coming in Travel and What It Means for You”.
The cultural intelligence research commissioned by Destination NSW looks beyond conventional tourism trends to examine the broader social, cultural, economic, lifestyle and technological forces that could influence domestic travel through to 2035.
Tourism Research Australia data shows more than one in five trips in Australia are taken by travellers with accessible needs. In a session titled “Finding a Way: Two Mates, 1 Chair", social media duo Fletcher Crowley and Lachie Bennett from Two Mates 1 Chair will give their perspectives on what makes a destination genuinely welcoming.
A panel session moderated by Destination NSW Executive Director Marketing Michael Branagh —“Winning the Traveller of 2035: Demand, Distribution and Destination Choice”—will explore how AI, search, social media, travel platforms and trusted content will continue to reshape the journey from inspiration to booking.
Panellists will also bring perspectives from destination marketing, consumer behaviour, travel media and distribution.
Destination NSW Executive Director, Industry Support & Partnerships Stephen Mahoney will lead an “Experiences That Unlock Growth” session exploring the decisions, challenges and lessons involved in turning an idea into an experience that visitors will travel for and an opportunity businesses and destinations can grow from.
Afternoon sessions will include “Gateway to Growth: Aviation, Access and NSW’s Next Era of Growth” and “Events Create Travel: New Evidence on the Event Traveller”.
The Forum is free to attend and open to visitor economy stakeholders across industry and government.
Learn more about the program and register to attend here.
The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards will be held following the NSW Visitor Economy Forum. Tickets are on sale for the awards ceremony. Book here.
