Insights - 24 July 2026
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SYDNEY SUPER CUP LONDON DERBY
CLASH NEARS SELL OUT
Supported by Destination NSW, the Sydney Super Cup four-team tournament will be staged exclusively in Sydney. English Premier League giants Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur will take on Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC, before facing off against each other in a ‘London Derby’.
Three matches will be played on 28 July, 29 July and 1 August across Accor Stadium and Allianz Stadium, attracting thousands of local supporters and international visitors.
Limited tickets remain for the 'London Derby' between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Accor Stadium on 1 August 2026. With limited tickets remaining, fans are urged to secure their seats now before the event reaches capacity. Tickets available here.
EXTENDED TRADING FOR NSW VENUES
The success of the NSW Government's decision to extend trading hours for the recent FIFA Men's World Cup has delivered a major boost to venues across the state.
The NSW Government has locked in special event extended trading hours for the remainder of 2026, giving patrons even more reason to celebrate.
Major sporting events including the NRL Grand Final, the Rugby League World Cup, and Repco Bathurst 1000, alongside iconic regional events like the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash will benefit from extended trading hours. Visit the webpage for the full list of special events eligible for extended trading.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN FOR ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS ENGAGEMENT
Destination NSW has engaged Aboriginal-owned and led consultancy Murawin to deliver the Aboriginal Experiences and Events Engagement project as part of the NSW Aboriginal Visitor Experience Accelerator (AVEA).
The project aims to better understand the Aboriginal tourism business sector across NSW, identifying opportunities and challenges for business owners.
Murawin is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Aboriginal-owned tourism businesses to be involved in the project through online interviews and in-person yarning circles, run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants. NSW Aboriginal Tourism Businesses EOI Form. EOIs close 25 August 2026.
TOP 10 MOST-VISITED NATIONAL PARKS IN NSW
National parks across NSW recorded their highest ever visitation in the last financial year with 65.5 million visits. The state’s network of around 900 parks and reserves not only connected people with nature, but they generated $19.5 billion for the state’s economy. Blue Mountains National Park topped the list with 7.8 million visits in 2024-25.
NSW & ACT OUTDOOR INDUSTRY AWARDS
The NSW & ACT Outdoor Industry Awards were held at the Huskisson Hotel in Jervis Bay on Thursday 16 July 2026. The awards recognise the businesses, educators, guides, volunteers, and organisations that help people connect with the outdoors, including outdoor recreation, outdoor education, adventure tourism and outdoor therapy.
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 is coming to Australia and is looking for volunteers for Sydney and Newcastle. Volunteers will play a key role in bringing the tournament to life and contributing to the legacy of rugby in Australia and beyond. Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) here: RWC 2027 EOI Form. EOIs close on 31 July 2026.
THREDBO ACHIEVES PLATINUM EARTHCHECK STATUS
Thredbo Resort has reached a major sustainability milestone, becoming the first destination in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve EarthCheck Platinum Destination Certification. The achievement reflects Thredbo’s long-term commitment to protecting the environment while delivering world-class experiences for guests year-round.
BESYDNEY SECURES AUSTRALIAN FIRSTS
BESydney has secured two world-leading science conferences - the General Assembly of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) 2029 and the SPIE Astronomical Telescopes & Instrumentation 2030 symposium, which will be held in Sydney for the first time. The two events are set to attract around 2,000 delegates each and generate an estimated $13.8 million and $14 million, respectively, in direct expenditure to the NSW economy.
PASSENGER MOVEMENT CHARGE TRANSITION
The Australian Border Force has announced that a transition period will apply to manage the increase of the Passenger Movement Charge. The transition arrangements will apply to departures from 1 January 2027 until 30 June 2028. Transport & Tourism Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “We are delighted that Australian Border Force has confirmed the increase will be supported by an 18-month transition arrangement for carriers.”
HUNTER VALLEY ON SHOW FOR TOURISM AUSTRALIA
Tourism Australia's annual Signature Experiences of Australia STO partner meeting was held in the Hunter Valley from 20-22 July. Representatives explored the Hunter region, including Sand Dune Adventures, and wine experiences at Audrey Wilkinson and Mount Pleasant Wines. Destination NSW hosted a networking event bringing together visitors and local tourism representatives to showcase the region's produce, wines and music.
VIVID SYDNEY 2027 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are still open for Vivid Sydney 2027, with the event inviting submissions from artists, designers and creative industry professionals, as well as architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions. EOIs for Light will close on 27 July 2026, with Music, Minds and Food closing on 25 September 2026. Vivid Sydney 2027 will take place from 28 May to 19 June.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT UNVEILS CAR RENTAL PARTNERS: A suite of Australia's leading car rental agencies has signed on to operate from the airport, with travellers able to choose from a range of cars and rental options. Learn more
BELMONT WHARF OPENS: In partnership with Lake Macquarie Council, the NSW Government has invested $1.6 million to deliver a new 71-metre public wharf at Belmont. Learn more
MORE COMMUTER PARKING FOR NORTHWEST METRO PASSENGERS: The NSW Government is investing $160 million to add up to 1,200 additional spots at Tallawong and the Hills Showground metro stations. Learn more
SYDNEY AIRPORT LAUNCHES FAST TRACK: Sydney Airport has launched Fast Track, a new service designed to make travelling through Australia's busiest airport faster and easier. Learn more
TEST FOR AUSALERT WARNING SYSTEM: The Australian Government will conduct a test of its new warning system, AusAlert, at 2pm on 27 July 2026. Learn more
MAJOR MILESTONE FOR PENRITH STADIUM: The NSW Government announced completion of the roof for the new stadium at Penrith. Learn more
REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR EXPLORE NEW SOUTH WALES 2026 (ENSW26): Taking place in Sydney on 25-26 August 2026, ENSW26 connects visitor economy businesses with distribution partners. 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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