Insights - 30 January 2026
No images? Click here
SPORTING EVENTS DRIVE TOURISM GROWTH
A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) has highlighted sports tourism as driving rapid growth in the sports economy.
According to WEF, the sports tourism sector is forecast to account for 60 per cent of total sports economy revenue growth until 2030.
It has also become the fastest-growing segment of the global tourism industry, consistently outpacing broader travel trends since the pandemic. In 2025, sports tourism accounted for 10 per cent of global travel expenditure.
Learn more here.
ONE MONTH TO WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP
Excitement is building as the countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ heats up, with one month to go until the tournament kicks off.
The celebration of women’s football will be held from 1–21 March, with 11 matches to be played in Sydney. Accor Stadium will host a Matildas group stage match, two quarter-finals, a semi-final and the final, with six group stage matches to be played at CommBank Stadium.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is proudly supported by Destination NSW.
THE TRENDS REDEFINING EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL
New research suggests increasing numbers of travellers will seek to collect moments rather than accumulate things in 2026.
Accor partnered with global trend forecasting agency Globetrender on its Experiential Travel Trends 2026 report, which shows 25 per cent of travellers would like their online search experience to start with 'mood', underscoring a fundamental shift: travel is no longer defined by geography alone, but by how it makes people feel.
As global tourism shifts toward deeper, more meaningful experiences where visitors seek genuine connections with destinations, NSW is well-positioned to lead this evolution, offering immersive experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
One of the key pillars of the NSW Government's Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 is to 'Focus on experiences' to ensure the state attracts high-value travellers and drives repeat visitation.
AUSTRALIA DAY IN SYDNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Free events were held across Sydney on January 26 to mark Australia Day and showcase the very best of our city and country to locals and visitors alike.
Destination NSW delivered the Australia Day in Sydney program, which commenced with the Dawn Reflection and concluded with the Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House. The concert culminated in a unique fireworks display and a spectacular aerial show over Circular Quay.
WORLD'S TOP 10 WELLNESS MARKETS
The Global Wellness Institute has released its annual Country Rankings report, with Australia entering the top 10 for the first time. Spending on wellness in Australia reached $141 billion in 2024, with the sector recording 7.6 per cent annual growth between 2019 and 2024.
FREE STREET EVENTS ACROSS NSW
The latest $4 million grant from the Open Streets Program will support councils to host free street parties during events such as Deni Ute Muster and Bluesfest. Tamworth Country Music Festival recently expanded its offering, with four days of free Fringe Zone programming.
VIVID SYDNEY LOCAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
Applications are open for the Vivid Sydney 2026 Local Business Program. Delivered by Destination NSW, the program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses tap into the momentum of Australia’s largest event, helping to drive foot traffic, jobs and local spending. Businesses selected to participate will receive assets such as LED screens, window decals and a digital toolkit.
FREE DIGITAL SKILLS WEBINARS
Registrations are open for the second series of Destination NSW's Digital Skills Future Ready webinars, delivered in partnership with Tourism Tribe. The initiative includes eight webinars and limited places for one-hour coaching sessions. The initiative will support visitor economy businesses to upskill in areas including digital marketing, AI and online distribution.
OPENING WEEK SUCCESS AT SYDNEY FISH MARKET
The new Sydney Fish Market welcomed more than 230,000 people and traded more than 160 tonnes of seafood in its first week of operation. Delivered by the NSW Government, the venue is on track to become one of Australia’s most visited attractions.
RENEWABLE FUEL SUMMIT FOR SYDNEY
The Tourism & Transport Forum will hold a 2026 Fuelling the Future of Tourism event on 6 February at ICC Sydney. It will explore how the visitor economy will benefit from renewable energy, making travel more sustainable, boosting jobs and securing the sector’s future.
FIRST RITZ-CARLTON LODGE FOR NSW
Emirates and Marriott International have signed an agreement to open the world's first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will welcome guests in mid-2026.
WORLD'S SAFEST AIRLINES FOR 2026
Airline Ratings has released its annual World’s Safest Full-Service Airlines list for 2026, with Qantas in third place and Virgin Australia in ninth place. Jetstar took out second place on the Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines for 2026 list.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCT GRANTS EXPANDED: The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is offering an additional $1.25 million to support local councils looking to grow their nighttime economies. Learn more
$4.2 MILLION IN FUNDING TO IMPROVE SHARK SAFETY: New research, real-time tracking and expanded drone surveillance will lead NSW Government measures to help keep people safer in the water this summer. Learn more
PORT AUTHORITY OF NSW REPORTS STRONG FY25: Highlights included 309 cruise ship visits carrying passengers and crew. Learn more
SINGLETON BYPASS ON TRACK TO OPEN IN 2026: The project will take 15,000 vehicles a day off Singleton’s main street, improving travel times and safety for local and interstate motorists. Learn more
NEW ONE STOP SHOP TO DELIVER FASTER, SIMPLER PLANNING SYSTEM: The NSW Government has placed proposed regulatory changes to create the Development Coordination Authority on public exhibition. Learn more
PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL STAGE 2 TRACKING TO MAIN CONSTRUCTION: The NSW Government has given the green light to begin construction on the project, which will eventually connect Sydney’s second CBD with Sydney Olympic Park. Learn more
FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here
DID YOU ENJOY THIS NEWSLETTER? Forward it to colleagues and friends so they can subscribe too. Was this issue forwarded to you? Click here to sign up
