Insights - 4 September 2026
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2026-27 CRUISE SEASON LAUNCHES
Crown Princess sailed into Sydney Harbour this week, marking the start of the 2026-27 Australian summer cruise season.
More than 120 industry leaders joined Business Sydney and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia to celebrate the season launch at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones was a keynote speaker at the event and hosted a Q&A session with CLIA Global President and CEO Charles 'Bud' Darr.
NSW is Australia's premier cruise destination, with the industry playing a vital role in attracting visitors, supporting businesses and creating jobs across the state.
Learn more here.
Pictured: Carnival Group Senior Vice President and Country Manager Peter Little, Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones, CLIA Global President and CEO Charles ‘Bud’ Darr, CLIA Australasia Executive Director Joel Katz and Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou.
CRUISE PASSENGERS EMBRACE NEWCASTLE
Cruise Newcastle has released the results of its 2025–26 Passenger Survey, which reveal strong visitor satisfaction.
Almost 80 per cent of passengers indicated they would return to Newcastle and the Hunter, with 62 per cent of respondents being international travellers.
Newcastle will receive a record 18 cruise ship visits during the 2026-27 cruise season.
TRIAL PASSENGER FLIGHT LANDS AT WESTERN
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has welcomed a Jetstar trial flight and hundreds of passengers as it prepares for commercial services taking off from 25 October 2026.
Passenger trials conducted during WSI's Operational Readiness Program simulate genuine journeys, with volunteers allocated domestic and international flights, then 'checking in', moving through the airport's security screening and engaging with facilities and staff.
NEW WEBINARS: ATDW SKILLS
Destination NSW will host two free webinars to help businesses and destinations market their products online through the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW). The first webinar on 16 September 2026 will provide an introduction to ATDW. The second webinar, an ATDW masterclass, will be held on 11 November 2026.
NEW WEBINARS: ACCESSIBLE TOURISM
Destination NSW will host three free webinars in partnership with consultancy Get Skill Access to help businesses be more accessible and inclusive. Topics will include Physical Access & Inclusion (22 September 2026), Tips for Online Accessibility Resources (22 October) and International Day of People with a Disability (3 December).
HOBART-NEWCASTLE ROUTE RETURNS
Newcastle Airport's Hobart-Newcastle service will return on 27 October 2026 for an extended second season, with a 27 per cent capacity increase. The Jetstar route will continue until 24 April 2027, offering more than 28,000 seats.
RECORD CROWDS FOR SYDNEY MARATHON
A record crowd of 400,000 spectators lined the TCS Sydney Marathon route on 30 August 2026, cheering on more than 36,000 participants from over 140 countries. The TCS Sydney Marathon was proudly supported by Destination NSW.
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCT FOR CRONULLA
Cronulla has become the state's latest Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP). Bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, clubs and shops between Gerale Street and Wilbar Avenue will benefit from extended trading hours and relaxed noise settings. The new SEP will also support Sutherland Council to deliver major events.
PORT AUTHORITY PUTS NSW IN THE SPOTLIGHT
From Hollywood blockbusters and international television series to global advertising campaigns and viral online content, Port Authority of NSW helped showcase NSW to audiences around the world during the last financial year by facilitating 37 film and photography productions.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
CHINESE TRAVELLERS VOTE SYDNEY AMONG THEIR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS: Condé Nast Traveler China has announced the results of its 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards. Learn more
NEW SHARK MANAGEMENT MEASURES: The NSW Government’s $120 million investment in the Shark Management Program will deliver extra drone shark surveillance during spring and summer. Learn more
GLOBAL BUSINESS TRAVEL SPENDING TO REACH RECORD $1.71 TRILLION IN 2026: The Global Business Travel Association’s latest Business Travel Index report shows Australia is one of the fastest-growing markets. Learn more
NEW FERRY STOP AT WALSH BAY: Visitors, arts fans, residents and workers will soon be able to access Walsh Bay by ferry, with the NSW Government introducing a new stop at the performing arts precinct. Learn more
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES FY26 RESULTS: The airline has reported a 17.5 per cent jump in underlying profit and has confirmed it will reduce its domestic capacity by three per cent in the first half of FY27. Learn more
REVAMPED LOOKOUT FOR WESTERN SYDNEY: The NSW Government has unveiled designs to transform ‘The Beauty Spot’ in Cecil Park. Learn more
FUNDING FOR RECREATIONAL FISHING: The NSW Government has announced 18 projects will receive grants of up to $50,000 to improve fishing facilities. Learn more
BIG DATA TRIAL HELPS IMPROVE SAFETY AT LEVEL CROSSINGS: Transport for NSW has shared learnings from a trial that applied big data and predictive analytics to help identify safety risks at rail level crossings. 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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