Insights - 24 October 2025
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'SKIP-GEN' TRAVEL TREND TAKES OFF IN AUSTRALIA
New research shows 'skip-gen', multi-generational and 'kidfluencer' holidays are redefining travel in Australia.
Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report has revealed growth in grandparents and grandchildren holidaying together without parents. In Australia, 51 per cent of respondents reported having taken—or planning to take—a skip-gen trip. Across the Asia-Pacific region, the trend was strongest in China (86 per cent) and India (79 per cent).
The report found spending time with family outweighs personal relaxation as the top travel priority for Australians, with 33 per cent holidaying with three or more generations at least once a year.
A new study by NYU School of Professional Studies has confirmed that multi-generational travel is also booming among American travellers, with children playing an active role in choosing destinations. The shift in family dynamics, often driven by social media, has been dubbed 'kidfluence'.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the United States was the third-largest source market for visitors to NSW in August 2025, behind China and New Zealand. There were 27,170 American visitors during the month, compared to 25,660 in August 2019.
CENTRAL COAST TO HOST MATILDAS MATCH
The CommBank Matildas will take on New Zealand’s Football Ferns in an international friendly on the Central Coast on 28 November 2025.
Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the match at Gosford's polytec Stadium will give fans the chance to rally behind their national team as they prepare for next year's AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The event is expected to attract visitors from across Australia and internationally, reinforcing NSW’s status as the home of football and a global destination for major events.
Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper joined Football Australia Interim CEO Heather Garriock and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris to celebrate the announcement.
BEST OF NSW SHINES AT SXSW SYDNEY
The NSW Government’s flagship activation, NSW House, was a highlight of SXSW Sydney last week.
The three-day showcase of the state's creativity, innovation and talent featured thought-provoking panels, keynote talks, live performances and interactive experiences.
Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones chaired a session, Western Sydney: Where technology and creativity converge, exploring innovation at Bradfield City Centre’s First Building, upcoming STEM programs and creative partnerships at Powerhouse Parramatta, and the Western Sydney Arts Plan.
SXSW Sydney 2025 was proudly supported by Destination NSW.
FIRST FLIGHT FROM BALI TO NEWCASTLE LANDS
Newcastle Airport's first international flight outside Australasia has landed, with the route between the Hunter and Denpasar (Bali) commencing on 21 October 2025. Supported by the NSW Government's Aviation Attraction Fund, delivered by Destination NSW, the new route follows the recent opening of the airport's international terminal.
DILJIT DOSANJH HEADS TO PARRAMATTA
Punjabi musician and Bollywood actor Diljit Dosanjh will be the first Indian artist to headline a stadium in Australia when his Aura tour comes to CommBank Stadium on 26 October 2025. Dosanjh has won awards for music and acting in India and internationally. The Western Sydney concert is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
SYDNEY'S NEWEST VENUE TAKES SHAPE
The Cutaway in Barangaroo has reached a new construction milestone, with the first of 13 sculptural timber elements installed. This marks 85 per cent completion of the project, offering a first look at what will soon be one of Sydney’s most unique cultural and event spaces. Once complete, The Cutaway will enhance Barangaroo’s standing as a destination for locals and visitors alike.
ART AND AI EXHIBITION FOR MCA AUSTRALIA
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) will present Data Dreams: Art and AI during the 2025–26 Sydney International Art Series. Opening on 21 November 2025, the exhibition will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping new forms of contemporary artistic practice. The Sydney International Art Series is proudly supported by Destination NSW.
INBOUND STRATEGY WORKSHOPS
Destination NSW is presenting a series of Inbound Strategy workshops for NSW visitor economy businesses in 2025. Delivered under the capability-building NSW First Program, the free workshops are designed to assist businesses to develop and sell export-ready products to international visitors via the inbound travel trade. An online workshop will be held on 6 November 2025.
EVENTS CAP LIFTED AT RANDWICK RACECOURSE
The NSW Government is lifting the cap on major events at Royal Randwick Racecourse to allow up to 10 cultural events of between 5000 and 15,000 people each year, in addition to race days. Previously limited to a single cultural event, a consent that expired in 2024, the lifting of the cap will unlock more opportunities for world-class entertainment in the city.
BOOST FOR REGIONAL NIGHT-TIME ECONOMIES
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has launched a new regional night-time economy program to encourage local business collaboration and support the development of vibrant night-time economies in regional NSW. Applications for grants are open and will close on 20 November 2025.
NEON FORUM: 24 HOUR ECONOMY EVENT
NEON Forum, the flagship event of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre on 29-30 October 2025. The event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, creators and community voices to shape the future of NSW’s night-time economy.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW OUTDOOR FESTIVAL FOR SYDNEY: Raydia Festival will be held in The Domain on 15 November 2025. Expected to be the largest Australian LGBTQIA+ music festival of 2025, it will feature seven hours of entertainment curated by DJ Dan Slater. Learn more
NSW SWIMMING SPOT WATER QUALITY IMPROVES: The 2025 State of the Beaches Report shows water quality has improved at 23 swimming sites, while a further 179 spots have retained scores of ‘good’ to ‘very good’. Learn more
SPOTIFY TO SHOWCASE NSW LIVE MUSIC VENUES: Live music venues will benefit from a new Spotify ‘Venue Pages’ feature, with Sydney joining New York, London and Paris as one of the first cities in the world to be featured. Learn more
CIRCULAR ECONOMY EVENT FOR SYDNEY: Sydney has won the right to host the Asia Pacific Circular Hotspot next year, with the bid supported by BESydney. Read 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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