Tourism operators across the Riverina Murray region will receive a major show of support this month, with some of the country's most influential tourism and cross-border leaders confirmed to attend the Regional Tourism Forum Riverina Murray 2026.
The event will be held in Tocumwal on 23 April, with tickets nearly sold out.
The forum, delivered by Destination Riverina Murray in partnership with Murray Regional Tourism and proudly supported by Destination NSW, will bring together Destination NSW Regional Associate Director Mitch Gunn and the NSW and Victorian Cross Border Commissioners Brett Davis and Kalina Koloff, for a full-day program of keynote speakers, expert panels, workshops and local case studies.
It aims to deliver a coordinated and collaborative approach to tourism development and promotion, strengthening the region's cross-border visitor economy.
Destination Riverina Murray General Manager Yvette Myhill said: "The visitor economy plays a critical role in sustaining regional communities, and if we want to grow it, we need to keep building the capability of operators and strengthening partnerships across borders.
"We designed this Forum because we know our operators need more than inspiration - they need real tools, real insights and real examples they can apply immediately.
"We’re thrilled Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones and both Cross Border Commissioners will be in attendance to help deliver it.”
Murray Regional Tourism CEO Cameron Sutton said: "Visitors experience the Murray as one destination, shaped by standout experiences, strong storytelling and seamless journeys.
"The Forum is about strengthening the capability of our tourism industry, sharing practical insights and supporting a more coordinated approach to destination development that delivers real outcomes for operators and communities along the Murray.”
The full-day program includes keynote speakers, expert panels, local case studies and lively debates, as well as targeted workshops and breakout sessions covering the topics that matter most to regional tourism operators and stakeholders, including:
- Tourism planning pathways and approvals
- Product design and experience development
- PR, storytelling, and operator quick wins
- Localised Riverina Murray visitor data insights
- Emerging travel trends and high-growth opportunities, including cultural connection, wellness travel and agritourism
Taking a fresh approach to the usual conference format, the 2026 Regional Tourism Forum has been designed to showcase the visitor economy in action, moving attendees throughout Tocumwal for breakout sessions at surprise venues, with local operator famil opportunities available the day before and after, along with a relaxed evening networking event to close.
The Regional Tourism Forum Riverina Murray aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, the Riverina Murray Destination Management Plan 2030 and the Murray Region Destination Management Plan supporting long-term growth in regional tourism as a key driver of jobs, investment and community resilience.
The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 sets ambitious statewide targets, including $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035, with regional NSW expected to deliver 48 per cent of this growth.
In 2023–24, tourism supported 14,357 jobs across 3296 businesses in the Riverina Murray, contributing $681 million (three per cent) to the region’s Gross Value Add (GVA) and Destination Riverina Murray is committed to ensuring the regions operators are equipped to capture their share of the growth ahead.
The forum will be held on 23 April 2026 at Tocumwal War Memorial Hall. Learn more here.
