Insights - 23 January 2026
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ACTION-PACKED AUSTRALIA DAY PROGRAM ACROSS NSW
Communities across NSW will come together for the nation’s largest Australia Day celebration on 26 January 2026.
From sunrise to nightfall, the NSW Government is supporting a program filled with free events curated for all ages.
Destination NSW will deliver the Australia Day in Sydney program, which will include a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House forecourt featuring a tribute to the families and communities affected by the Bondi Beach attack.
There will also be a fireworks display and a spectacular aerial show over Circular Quay, delivering a memorable night for locals and visitors.
NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING
Australia marked a National Day of Mourning on 22 January 2026 to remember the 15 innocent people whose lives and futures were lost in the Bondi Beach attack.
Flags flew at half-mast and public buildings were illuminated, while members of the public observed one minute of silence to honour the victims and all those impacted.
As Australians paused to remember, Destination NSW joined them in reaffirming our determination for light to triumph over darkness.
WORLD-LEADING FISH MARKET OPENS IN SYDNEY
The NSW Government has officially opened the new Sydney Fish Market, which is set to attract more than six million local and international visitors each year.
The venue combines world-leading engineering with state-of-the-art technology to house a fully operational wholesale fish market, alongside retail, dining, education and public spaces, all under one spectacular fish-scale-inspired roof.
Seafood lovers, fishers and the broader community can now enjoy double the retail space of the old fish market, with the new building offering 40 food and retail operators, from casual takeaway to premium waterfront restaurants.
NSW Premier Chris Minns joined Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper and Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch for the opening ceremony.
VIVID SYDNEY LOCAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
Applications are open for the Vivid Sydney 2026 Local Business Program. Delivered by Destination NSW, the program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses tap into the momentum of Australia’s largest event, helping to drive foot traffic, jobs and local spending. Businesses selected to participate will receive assets such as LED screens, window decals and a digital toolkit.
FREE DIGITAL SKILLS WEBINARS
Registrations are open for the second series of Destination NSW's Digital Skills Future Ready webinars, delivered in partnership with Tourism Tribe. The initiative includes eight webinars and limited places for one-hour coaching sessions. The initiative will support visitor economy businesses to upskill in areas including digital marketing, AI and online distribution.
MILESTONES FOR CHINA-SYDNEY ROUTES
Destination NSW has partnered with China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines on marketing activity to celebrate milestone anniversaries. China Southern Airlines has marked the 25th anniversary of direct flights from Guangzhou, while Xiamen Airlines has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Xiamen to Sydney service.
FREE WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT BUSES
The NSW Government will provide free buses between St Marys train and bus interchange and Western Sydney International Airport when it opens later this year. The buses will be phased out when the new Metro line to Western Sydney Airport opens next year. The line will connect the airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes.
RECORD YEAR FOR BESYDNEY
BESydney closed out 2025 by securing the greatest number of future events in a calendar year in its 55-year history. During a record-breaking 12 months, BESydney secured 81 business events that will attract around 59,000 delegates, who will stay 253,000 days and generate more than $252 million in direct expenditure for Sydney.
LAST DRINKS FOR LOCKOUT LAWS
The NSW Government is removing Sydney's final major lockout conditions, including the 3:30am ‘last drinks’ rule. It will also repeal the requirement for RSA marshals after midnight for certain venues and the blanket per person drink limits. The removal of restrictions is aimed at boosting the nighttime economy across the city.
SOCCEROOS MATCH FOR SYDNEY
The CommBank Socceroos will meet Cameroon in Sydney in the FIFA Series 2026™ during the men’s March international window. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the match will take place at Accor Stadium on 27 March, marking the first time Australia will host FIFA's expanded cross-confederation initiative.
EXPERIENCE-LED STAYS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Experience-led accommodation was highlighted as a key driver of regional visitor economy growth during a visit by Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper to Wilderluxe luxury glamping at Lake Keepit. The development was supported by a $2 million NSW Government Regional Tourism Activation Fund grant.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE FOR WOLLONGONG: The NSW Government has revealed its vision for a new world-class sports and entertainment precinct, committing $17 million to unlock the next stage of planning to bring the project to life. Learn more
GLOBAL TOURISM UP FOUR PER CENT IN 2025: According to UN Tourism, an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists were recorded globally in 2025, almost 60 million more than in 2024. Learn more
END-OF-YEAR REPORT CARD FOR HOTEL OCCUPANCY: Accommodation Australia has graded the nation’s accommodation sector as a "solid A-minus", with Sydney one of the top-performing cities. Learn more
GRANTS SUPPORT WOMEN IN BUSINESS: Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council and The Social Outcomes Lab have received $500,000 in NSW Government funding to help women achieve their business goals. Learn more
GREAT KOALA PARK ONE STEP CLOSER: The NSW Government is seeking community input to shape recreational opportunities in the proposed Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast. Learn more
EXPEDIA'S MOST-SEARCHED DESTINATIONS FOR 2025: The online travel agency has reported that Sydney was its most-searched destination in Oceania. Learn more
REGISTER TO ATTEND DESTINATION AUSTRALIA: The Tourism Australia event will be held in Melbourne on 19 March 2026. Learn more
ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA'S GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM SUMMIT: The event will be held from 2–5 June 2026, aligning with World Environment Day. 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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