Insights - 15 May 2026
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SYDNEY TO HOST AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE 2027
NSW has secured Australia’s largest annual travel and tourism event, with Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) returning to ICC Sydney in 2027.
ATE27 will draw more than 2700 attendees from across Australia and more than 32 international markets to experience the best of Sydney and regional NSW.
The event will provide a significant opportunity to highlight NSW as the nation’s most accessible destination, with Western Sydney International Airport preparing to operate 24/7 from October 2026, Newcastle Airport expanding its international capacity and Sydney Airport recently delivering the strongest first quarter for international travel in its history.
Learn more here.
Pictured main: Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack and Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones.
During ATE26, Destination NSW and 95 NSW visitor economy operators connected with the world’s most influential travel buyers and media. This year’s NSW delegation included 41 tourism operators from regional NSW, 54 from Sydney, 17 first-time attendees and nine Aboriginal experience sellers.
ATE26 showcased the depth and diversity of the state’s visitor offering through more than 700 business appointments and networking events. The event reinforced NSW’s position as Australia’s leading destination for authentic, immersive experiences.
NSW THE TOP STATE FOR TOURISM TOWNS
Australian Traveller has announced its 100 Best Towns in Australia for 2026, with 24 NSW towns making the list—more than any other state or territory in the country.
Two NSW towns feature in the top 10, Byron Bay and Bowral. Byron Bay has also been named Australia’s Top Wellness Town, while Bowral is Australia’s Top Country Town.
Australian Traveller Print Editor Imogen Eveson said: “From its unrivalled coastline to its country, hinterland and outback, NSW is such a diverse state that it’s little wonder it claimed the most hits on our list.”
VIVID SYDNEY RAISES A GLASS TO NSW WINE
Vivid Sydney will put NSW wine in the spotlight from 22 May to 13 June 2026, showcasing the quality and diversity of vineyards across the state.
NSW is the birthplace of Australian wine, with the country’s first vines planted at Circular Quay in 1788. Almost 240 years later, Vivid Food will bring wine-pairing dinners and tasting experiences to the streets surrounding Australia’s first vineyard.
The program will include Vivid Sydney's first dedicated beverage event, Cult & Classic | A NSW Food & Wine Party. The event will connect more than 30 winemakers and distributors from across the state with hundreds of wine lovers at The Wine Bar at The International.
NEW QUALITY TOURISM FRAMEWORK FUNDING
The Australian Tourism Industry Council has welcomed the $2 million, two-year funding extension for the Quality Tourism Framework, announced in this week’s Federal Budget. The Quality Tourism Framework supports small and regional tourism businesses to develop, improve and market sustainable products and experiences.
SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL PACKAGE
Sydney Airport has welcomed Federal Budget announcements aimed at accelerating the development and uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Australia. The package includes a commitment to introduce a low-carbon liquid fuel demand-side measure and confirms the introduction of the Cleaner Fuels Program to support local production.
ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE WEBINARS
Join Destination NSW for two free webinars designed to give practical tools and insights to help businesses be more accessible and inclusive. Delivered in partnership with Get Skilled Access, the first webinar, on 4 June, will focus on non-visible disability; while the 18 June webinar will explore inclusive and accessible events.
ACCOLADE FOR TYRRELL'S WINES
One of Australia’s leading authorities on wine, The Real Review, has revealed its Top Wineries of Australia 2026 ranking, with the Hunter Valley's Tyrrell's Wines named in the top five. The annual list highlights excellence in Australian wine. Aaron Mercer from the Hunter Valley's Mercer Wines was named Rising Star of the Year.
FREE WINTER FUN FOR FAMILIES
Sydney will host a range of free and low-cost activities for all ages from music, film, talks, comedy, food and fashion across seven winter festivals. Discounted tickets are also available at Circular Quay's Culture Station for same-day performances, including Sydney Comedy Festival, Sydney Film Festival and Vivid LIVE.
WEEKEND CELEBRATION AT THE CUTAWAY
The NSW Government is opening the doors to The Cutaway at Barangaroo, inviting people to experience the newly transformed world-class venue for the first time. Over the weekend of 30-31 May 2026, visitors can enjoy a packed program of live music, immersive performances, interactive workshops and family-friendly activities.
INTERNATIONAL VISITOR ARRIVALS: MARCH 2026
New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows there were 818,990 short-term visitor arrivals to Australia in March 2026—an increase of 7.6 per cent year-on-year. NSW welcomed 314,490 short-term arrivals. The largest source market was the United States, followed by China and New Zealand.
CANADIAN VISITORS FLOCK TO NSW
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows Canadian arrivals to NSW surpassed 2019 levels in March 2026. Canada was the ninth largest source of international visitors to NSW during the period. Canadian arrivals to NSW reached 101,200 in the year ending December 2025, up 13.2 per cent year on year.
WESTERN SYDNEY HOTEL FORUM
The Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce will host the Western Sydney Hotel Forum on 21 May 2026, exploring the future of hotel development and accommodation supply in the region. Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones will participate in a panel discussion alongside key hotel representatives.
GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY SOLUTIONS SHORTLISTED
Two engineering consortia have been shortlisted by Transport for NSW as the NSW Government continues to accelerate the process to safely reopen the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass. Transport for NSW will assess the proposals over the next four weeks to determine the best solution.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
WEST GROUP PREPARES TO LAUNCH WEST APP: The app aims to redefine how people discover travel, food and culture in Western Sydney. Learn more
GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARK UPDATE: Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe visited Coffs Harbour this week to advance plans for the new national park. Learn more
WINGS OVER SHELLHARBOUR RETURNS: Held at Shellharbour Airport from 16-17 May 2026 and proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors. Learn more
MUDGEE CLASSIC CELEBRATES REGISTRATION SELL-OUT: Held from 2-3 May 2026 and proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event attracted more than 3000 cyclists from across Australia and the world. Learn more
2026 DENI UTE MUSTER ATTRACTIONS ANNOUNCED: The countdown is on to the event, proudly supported by Destination NSW, with a list of new and returning activations locked in for 2-3 October 2026. Learn more
STATE HERITAGE HONOUR FOR DORRIGO: Built in 1925, the Heritage Hotel Dorrigo has been listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. 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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