Insights - 29 August 2025
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THE NEXT BIG TRAVEL TREND: RUNNING HOLIDAYS
Tourism data shows recreational sports are becoming an integral part of travel plans, with running holidays one of the top choices.
Running holidays—also called 'run travel', 'runcations' or 'racecations'—provide an opportunity for travellers to combine their interest in running with discovering destinations.
A recent survey by travel search engine Skyscanner found 50 per cent of Australians plan to engage in a running trip this year, with 92 per cent of those surveyed either participating or hoping to participate in an endurance event.
Learn more here.
RUNNERS FLOCK TO SYDNEY MARATHON
The 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon will be held on 31 August, with 35,000 participants expected, setting another record for Australia’s largest marathon.
Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event will showcase the vibrant atmosphere, energy and excitement that make Sydney a must-visit destination on the global marathon calendar.
TCS Sydney Marathon became an Abbott World Marathon Major event in late 2024. The achievement positions Sydney alongside the world’s largest and most renowned marathons, including the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City Marathons.
Brand Finance's inaugural Marathons 50 report shows TCS Sydney Marathon now ranks among the top 10 strongest marathon brands globally.
A media call ahead of Sunday's event saw Australian competitors join with two of the world’s greatest marathon runners—Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) and Sifan Hassan (Netherlands)—at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.
NSW VISITOR ECONOMY STRATEGY 2035
The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 was launched this week by Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper and Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones.
Destination NSW will lead the delivery of the strategy and looks forward to working with government agencies and industry stakeholders to boost the state’s global competitiveness, attract more high-value travellers and grow tourism jobs, while unlocking the full potential of Sydney, Western Sydney and regional destinations.
NSW NUMBER ONE FOR ACCESSIBLE TOURISM
Tourism Research Australia's Accessible Tourism in Australia report has revealed more than one in five trips in Australia were made in 2024 by travellers with accessible needs and their companions, contributing $29 billion to the visitor economy.
NSW was the leading destination for travellers with accessible needs, attracting 29.7 million visitors who spent 31 per cent of their total travel nights in the state.
Destination NSW provides resources via its NSW First Program to assist visitor economy businesses in creating experiences that are welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.
VIVID SYDNEY FESTIVAL DIRECTOR APPOINTED
The NSW Government has appointed arts leader Brett Sheehy AO as Festival Director of Vivid Sydney, Australia’s largest event and the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival. With his bold creative vision and deep respect for Vivid Sydney’s legacy, Mr Sheehy will expand the festival's global impact.
NATIONAL ACCOLADE FOR RHODA ROBERTS
Congratulations to Vivid Sydney First Nations Advisor Rhoda Roberts AO on receiving the highest accolade at the PAC Australia IMPACT Awards – the 2025 Wendy Blacklock Industry Legend Award. The honour recognises her outstanding career and lasting impact in the performing arts, media and major events.
LIVE PERFORMANCE VENUE GRANTS
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is offering up to $80,000 in funding to small-to-medium hospitality venues in NSW looking to kickstart or grow their live performance offering. Venues can apply for grants to cover sound equipment, staging, marketing and paying performers through the Live Performance Venue Grant Program.
BOOST FOR KIAMA
NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY
The NSW Government is supporting Kiama to expand its night-time entertainment options to attract more visitors and boost local businesses. Kiama Council will receive $200,000 to create a night-time economy strategy and consult with businesses, residents and authorities on establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct.
SOUTH COAST ABORIGINAL TOURISM FORUM
The South Coast Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Forum will be held in Eden from 18-19 September 2025. The event will bring together Aboriginal tourism operators and supply chain businesses, local Land Councils, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and industry partners from across the region.
FINAL TICKETS: WELLNESS TOURISM SUMMIT
The 2025 Wellness Tourism Summit will be held in Byron Bay from 4-5 September 2025, supported proudly by Destination NSW. The final tickets and program have been released, featuring more than 25 speakers from around the globe. Scheduled networking appointments will also take place during the conference.
AUSTRALIA TO WELCOME 63 CRUISE SHIPS
Australia is preparing to welcome dozens of international cruise ships during the summer cruise season, delivering billions of dollars in economic contributions to ports and destinations. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said a total of 63 ships will operate in local waters from October 2025 to April 2026.
EDEN CRUISE MoU RENEWED
Port Authority of NSW has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bega Valley Shire Council and Eden Tourism to support regional cruise growth. The MoU includes $60,000 in funding over three years to support the Eden Cruise Coordinator to organise volunteers and assist with experiences.
EARNINGS JUMP FOR VIRGIN AUSTRALIA
Virgin Australia delivered underlying profit before tax of $331 million in FY25 (up 27.8 per cent on FY24). Highlights included the highest on-time performance for a mainline Australian domestic airline and winning World’s Best Cabin Crew at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, plus Best Regional Airline in Australia/Pacific and Best Airline Staff Service in Australia/Pacific.
QANTAS GROUP DELIVERS STRONG FY25 RESULT
Qantas Group delivered underlying profit before tax of $2.39 billion in FY25 (up 15 per cent on FY24). Highlights included Jetstar carrying a record 16 million passengers domestically and Qantas being awarded Best Airline in Australia/Pacific at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Group domestic revenue is expected to increase by three to five per cent in the first half of FY26.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
CULTURAL FUNDING FOR REGIONAL NSW: The NSW Government is investing $15.4 million in its inaugural Arts and Cultural Funding Program, with regional arts and cultural organisations making up half of the successful applicants. Learn more
AGRITOURISM TRAINING FOR WAGGA WAGGA: The NSW Government has provided $382,428 in funding for an agritourism and hospitality training program. Learn more
YAEGL TRADITIONAL OWNERS ABORIGINAL CORPORATION TO MANAGE PILOT HILL: The corporation has been appointed as Crown land manager for parts of the reserve. Learn more
BLITZ ON REGIONAL POTHOLES: The NSW Government has accelerated delivery of $155 million to undertake a pothole and road repair blitz across regional NSW. Learn more
MULTIPLE OSCAR WINNER CELEBRATED WITH BLUE PLAQUE: Legendary Hollywood costume designer Orry Kelly has been honoured with a Blue Plaque at his former school in Kiama. Learn more
TRANSFORMATION OF PENRITH STADIUM BEGINS: Both grandstands have been demolished, paving the way for major construction to begin. Infrastructure NSW and delivery partner John Holland will soon start work on the new grandstands. Learn more
SINGLE-MATCH TICKET ON-SALE DATE ANNOUNCED FOR AFC WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP AUSTRALIA 2026TM: Tickets will go on sale on 5 September. The tournament is supported proudly by Destination NSW. Learn more
NEW RESCUE JET SKIS GUARDING NSW BEACHES: A fleet of 26 new rescue jet skis will be patrolling beaches following a record investment by the NSW Government in Surf Life Saving NSW. Learn more
WELLNESS TOURISM SURVEY: The Global Wellbeing Check-In Survey is collecting data on the benefits of wellness travel. Have your say here.
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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