Insights - 22 May 2026
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PREVIEW: LIGHTS ON FOR VIVID SYDNEY 2026
The NSW Government is delivering for families this Vivid Sydney, with more than 80 per cent of the festival free and an even bigger and brighter program set to light up the Harbour City tonight.
New this year, the festival is extending into the day with activations across the city, giving families and visitors more opportunities to experience the festival.
The NSW Government is also bringing back the drone show program, with 22 performances across 11 nights at Cockle Bay.
The festival's iconic 6.5km Light Walk, stretching from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour, features more than 40 spectacular light installations along the route.
Millions of people are expected to visit the city over the next three weeks, providing a major boost for local businesses, restaurants, bars and hotels during the winter months while continuing to drive growth in the NSW visitor economy.
Running from 22 May to 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney is proudly owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW.
CELEBRATING VIVID SYDNEY'S VOLUNTEERS
Vivid Sydney’s Lights On moment coincides with National Volunteer Week, which is being celebrated from 18-24 May 2026.
The Vivid Sydney Volunteer Program, in collaboration with Casual Hands, plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the festival.
In 2025, 709 volunteers contributed 25,881 hours across the 23-day event. This year, volunteers will once again assist attendees with information about the event, accessible viewing areas, public facilities, transport options and amenities.
Thank you to all our Vivid Sydney volunteers and everyone who gives their time to support the visitor economy each year, including assisting at events, welcoming cruise passengers into our ports and showcasing our museums, galleries and Visitor Information Centres throughout the state.
SYDNEY RANKED TOP 3 FOR BUSINESS EVENTS
Sydney has been ranked among the top three business event cities in the Asia-Pacific by technology provider Cvent.
Cvent announced its Top Meeting Destinations 2026 list at IMEX, the leading tradeshow for the meetings, events and incentive travel industry. Sydney was applauded for its world-class venues, meaningful delegate experiences, safety and accessibility.
Sydney also boasted two of the top five meeting hotels in the region—the Hyatt Regency Sydney and the Hilton Sydney.
ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE WEBINARS
Join Destination NSW for two free webinars designed 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.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR RETURNS
The National Indigenous Art Fair will be held from 3–5 July 2026 at a new location—The Cutaway Barangaroo. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event will include an expanded program of art, large-scale installations, live music, dance, talks, fashion, moving image artwork, weaving workshops and more.
NEW AIRLINE AGREEMENTS FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
The Australian Government has updated air services arrangements with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates ahead of Western Sydney International Airport opening later this year. The agreements will provide airlines from Australia and both Gulf nations with access to additional passenger capacity of seven passenger services per week.
GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY SUPPORT ANNOUNCED
The NSW Government is rolling out a $3.5 million support package to assist small businesses and councils across the Blue Mountains and Central West region impacted by the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass. Financial assistance will be provided, together with advisory services to help affected businesses.
AUSTRALIA'S BEST VALUE WINTER DESTINATION
New Expedia data has revealed one in two Australians are planning a domestic winter break. Byron Bay is number one on Expedia's Top 10 Stay Here Winter Destinations list, which features getaways that offer strong value, fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace in winter.
WORLD'S TOP NATURE EXPERIENCE
Diamond Tours has been named the world's number one Nature & Outdoor Experience in the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best. Specialising in day trips from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, the company hosts small-group itineraries.
OPPORTUNITY TO EXHIBIT AT FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA
The NSW Government is inviting Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and regional NSW food and beverage businesses to co-exhibit in the Flavours of NSW zone at Fine Food Australia 2026, taking place from 31 August to 3 September in Melbourne.
NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR VISION ECO-WALKS
Vision Walks Eco-Tours has joined Tourism Australia's Australian Wildlife Journeys, marking a significant milestone for the Byron Bay-based company and further elevating its position as a leader in immersive, sustainable tourism experiences.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
BUSINESS EVENTS BID FUND PROGRAM EXTENDED: Tourism Australia has extended application dates to support event bids where international decision dates are prior to 30 June 2027 and travel is completed by 31 December 2032. Learn more
LESS THAN 500 DAYS TO RUGBY WORLD CUP: Fans can now apply for tickets to all 52 matches, including pool fixtures, knockout matches and the Final. The tournament is proudly supported by Destination NSW. Learn more
POWERHOUSE PARRAMATTA WELCOMES FIRST OBJECT: The museum has received a replica of Qantas’ first plane, which will feature in its major opening exhibition. Learn more
BEN SMITH CAMPSITE REOPENS: The campsite, a popular rest stop on the historic Hume and Hovell Track, has been fully restored and upgraded following a $350,000 investment by the NSW Government. Learn more
RED TAPE REMOVED FOR REGISTERED CLUBS ON CROWN LAND: Outdoor dining will be declared exempt development under the NSW Government's changes. Read more
GREEN LIGHT TO BUILD FIRST AUSTRALIAN-MADE ELECTRIC FERRY: Sydney Harbour will host the first trial of an electric ferry, with contracts signed to build the vessel. Learn more
SEAS THE DAY WOMEN'S SURF FESTIVAL RETURNS TO KINGSCLIFF BEACH: Running from 20-21 June 2026, the festival has received funding from the NSW Government. Learn more
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON DORRIGO GREAT ESCARPMENT WALK: A $56.4 million investment by the NSW Government is funding the multi-day walk and redevelopment of the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. Learn more
FUNDING FOR NSW MUSIC EVENTS: The Australian Government is supporting two new music events—the final of The Next Up Music Awards in Sydney and Sounds Atlas in Wollongong. Learn more
NEW HUNTER VALLEY LUXURY RESORT: Laval Hunter Valley will be the first new-build luxury resort development in the region in two decades. Learn more
DELIVERY PARTNER ANNOUNCED FOR HONEYSUCKLE HQ: The mixed-use precinct will include hospitality, tourism and cultural offerings near Newcastle harbour. 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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