Insights - 8 May 2026
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BUMPER MAY FOR REGIONAL EVENTS
Destination NSW is backing regional vibrancy during May, supporting nine cultural, sporting, entertainment and lifestyle events through the 2025/26 Regional Event Fund.
From music to mountain biking and stargazing to sustainability, the lineup will draw thousands of visitors to the Central West, South Coast, Hunter, Southern Highlands and New England regions.
More than $1.3 million in funding was awarded to 61 events through the 2025/26 Regional Event Fund.
Learn more here.
FUEL CONFIDENCE BOOST FOR TRAVELLERS
The Australian Government has announced next week's Federal Budget will include an Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package aimed at protecting the nation’s energy interests and boosting fuel confidence among travellers.
Tourism & Transport Forum Australia CEO Margy Osmond said the measures to increase Australia’s diesel and jet fuel reserves would play an important role in supporting the visitor economy.
MORE FREE LIVE MUSIC ADDED TO VIVID SYDNEY
Destination NSW is adding more free live music to Vivid Sydney, with additional acts announced for the popular Tumbalong Nights program.
Taking place at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, Tumbalong Nights will feature an expanded lineup of local and international artists, offering more free, all-ages performances across the festival.
From 22 May to 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will once again draw millions of domestic and international visitors, powering NSW’s visitor and night-time economies and cementing Sydney’s status as a global leader in immersive cultural experiences.
STRONG NSW LINEUP FOR AUSTRALIAN
TOURISM EXCHANGE 2026
Destination NSW and a record 95 NSW tourism sellers will attend Australia’s largest tourism trade event, Australian Tourism Exchange 2026, from 10-14 May at Adelaide Convention Centre.
The NSW delegation will include 41 tourism operators from regional NSW and 54 from Sydney, showcasing the depth and diversity of the state’s visitor experiences.
AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK'S NEW WAVE
Australian Fashion Week will be held from 11–15 May 2026, proudly supported by Destination NSW. The program will include two new runway shows celebrating First Nations designers, alongside a group runway show spotlighting cult favourites and rising forces.
SYDNEY CULTURE WALKS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES
The NSW Government has launched a new campaign to promote the Sydney Culture Walk—a free, self-guided experience that explores the city’s public art, history, architecture and culture. It provides an opportunity to discover the city's cultural institutions on foot.
TOP TOURISM TOWN FINALISTS
The NSW Tourism Association has announced the 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards finalists, celebrating the state’s most welcoming and memorable regional destinations. The 16 finalists range from Gloucester to Gulgong and Moree to Millthorpe.
RECORD-BREAKING PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Opera Australia has announced The Phantom of the Opera as the most successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour season in the event’s history. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, it celebrated sold-out houses every night of its five-week 2026 season.
AGRITOURISM SUMMIT FOR THE TWEED
The third annual AgriTourism Summit will be held in The Tweed from 20-21 October 2026. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the program will include the inaugural Aqua AgriTourism Summit.
SOMMELIER’S WINE LIST AWARDS FINALISTS
The NSW Wine Industry Association has revealed 44 finalists for the 2026 NSW Sommelier's Wine List Awards. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, winners will be announced on 2 June.
VALUE OF BUSINESS EVENTS IN 2025
Tourism Research Australia data shows visitors travelling for business events in NSW contributed $5.85 billion to the economy in 2025. There were over 7.2 million business event travellers, who stayed more than 14 million nights.
'CIRCULAR WINE' FOR HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY
Four Winds Vineyard and Hyatt Regency Sydney have collaborated on Australia’s first ‘circular wine’. The hotel's food waste was transformed onsite into fertiliser and used to nourish vines that produced a Shiraz now being served at the hotel.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
AUSTRALIANS CHOOSE TRAVEL GIFTS FOR MOTHER'S DAY: ANZ data has revealed solid year-on-year growth in categories such as dining out and travel. Learn more
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE JAPAN AND KOREA 2026: The Tourism Australia event will be held in Tokyo from 2-4 September. Learn more
SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FULL PROGRAM: Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the program includes 19 films direct from the Cannes Film Festival. Learn more
NSW GOVERNMENT UNVEILS REVITALISED REGIONAL COACH NETWORK: From 1 July, 14 coach operators will run 49 routes across the NSW TrainLink coach network, delivering 638 services each week, up from the current 592 services across 45 routes. Learn more
FINAL PLAN FOR MOORE PARK SOUTH: The NSW Government has released the final plan for the new 20-hectare park and 12‑hole public golf course, based on feedback from the local community, sporting groups and councils. Learn more
FUNDING TO FIGHT WAR ON WASTE: The NSW Government has awarded more than $10 million to businesses, organisations and local councils that are reducing food waste across the state. Learn more
DEMAND FOR WINTER GETAWAYS: Skyscanner's Winter Sun Report shows strong demand for winter escapes, with 75 per cent of Australians planning trips and Sydney named as one of the most cost-effective destinations for flights. Learn more
SHARK SURVEILLANCE FUNDING FOR BOARDRIDER CLUBS: NSW Government funding has enabled Surfing NSW to launch an expanded drone shark surveillance program including comprehensive training for a new cohort of volunteer drone pilots. Learn more
NSW MARINE STOCKING PROGRAM: More than 150,000 Mulloway and Dusky Flathead fingerlings have been released by the NSW Government into key locations to improve recreational fishing opportunities. Learn more
ECO CERTIFICATION FOR SHOWTIME KAYAKING: Lake Macquarie's Showtime Kayaking has achieved ECO Certification with Ecotourism Australia. The business offers night-time experiences in clear, LED-lit kayaks, with eco education on every tour. 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
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