Insights - 18 July 2025
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NEW FLIGHT ROUTES SUPERCHARGE
SYDNEY HOTEL SECTOR
New international flight routes are set to significantly boost the hotel sector, with analysis showing they will create projected demand for up to 1.9 million room nights annually.
CBRE’s From Runway to Room Nights report has revealed that new routes have added 10,500 annual flights into key Australian cities, marking a major shift in the country’s inbound travel capacity.
Sydney is expected to see the largest uplift in demand, with 13 new flight routes projected to generate around 390,000 additional short-term arrivals and drive an expected 542,000 room nights by the end of 2026.
Learn more here.
TAXI CONCIERGE PROGRAM LAUNCHES AT
SYDNEY AIRPORT
The NSW Taxi Council has launched a Taxi Concierge Program at Sydney Airport to improve the customer experience for airline passengers.
During the six-month trial, concierge staff are operating at International Terminal 1 and Domestic Terminals 2 and 3, connecting passengers with taxis, as well as providing support with accessibility issues, luggage and information services.
2025 ACCOMMODATION AUSTRALIA NSW
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS
The winners of the 2025 NSW Accommodation Australia Awards for Excellence were announced on 17 July 2025 at Darling Island Wharf, Sydney.
More than 380 nominations were received across 41 categories, including new awards for Best Hotel Breakfast, Best Boutique Accommodation Experience and Luxury Hotel of the Year.
Two trophies were supported proudly by Destination NSW, Regional Superior Hotel of the Year - won by Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort - and Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year - won by Bells at Killcare.
DESTINATION NSW SUPPORTS CRUISE TOURISM GROWTH
NSW welcomed more than 1.2 million passengers and crew from 312 cruise ships during the 2024-25 cruise season, with 2025-26 set to be another winner for the visitor economy.
Destination NSW is hosting a free webinar on 5 August 2025 - ‘How to create unforgettable cruise shore experiences’ – which will explore creating, enhancing and delivering world-class cruise shore experiences.
Cruise resources on the Destination NSW corporate website have also been updated and expanded to help visitor economy businesses learn more about the cruise sector and how they can get involved.
Learn more here.
SYDNEY POWERS UP FOR CLEANER CRUISE VISITS
The Port Authority of NSW is preparing to install Shore Power at White Bay, a first of its kind initiative for an Australian cruise terminal.
Shore Power provides cruise ships with electricity by connecting to a landside charger, resulting in fewer emissions. The project marks a major step towards reducing cruise ship pollution, ensuring the industry can be more sustainable and continue to thrive in NSW.
NEW MoU TO BOOST CHINESE VISITATION
Tourism Australia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese travel giant Trip.com to promote Australia as a premier destination. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also renewed its MoU with China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
RISING INTERNATIONAL VISITOR ARRIVALS
New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows there were 227,360 short-term visitor arrivals to NSW in May 2025. The number of trips was 9.8 per cent lower than May 2019. The three leading source countries were China (34,720 trips). New Zealand (34,480) and the United States (22,110).
WEBINAR: NATURE-BASED EXPERIENCES
Destination NSW will host a Creating Nature-based Experiences webinar on 28 July 2025. Featuring guest speakers from Australia By Nature, CoastXP and Navigate Expeditions, the webinar will explore how attraction, accommodation, tour and activity operators can tap into nature-based travel.
AGRITOURISM SUMMIT PROGRAM RELEASED
The final program for the second annual AgriTourism Summit has been released. The event will be held in Orange on 12-13 August 2025, supported proudly by Destination NSW. It will feature insights from industry leaders, farmer-led panel discussions and networking opportunities.
GEN X EMERGES AS BIGGEST SPENDER
A new report by NielsenIQ has revealed that Gen X - those born between 1965 and 1980 - will be the most influential consumer cohort over the next decade. The X Factor: How Generation X is quietly driving trillions in consumer spending found Gen X will spend $15.2 trillion in 2025 alone.
SYDNEY DAZZLES WREXHAM AFC TEAM
More than 40,000 spectators packed Allianz Stadium this week as Wrexham AFC took on Sydney FC. The Welsh team's visit put Sydney on show as a world-class sporting city and vibrant destination. Off the field, the team explored the city's beaches and icons - from the Sydney Opera House to Taronga Zoo.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA RETURNS TO SYDNEY
Phantom of the Opera will return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2026, launching the show’s global 40th anniversary celebration. Over the past four decades, the musical has played to more than 160 million people in 205 cities and in 21 languages. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
RECORD DEMAND FOR NSW SNOW TRIPS
The NSW Government’s popular Snowy Mountains Bus Service has experienced record-breaking demand during the 2025 ski season, with a 30 per cent increase in passenger numbers compared to the same period in 2024. More than 3000 journeys were recorded during the first weekend of the NSW school holidays alone.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
WESTERN SYDNEY TOURISM AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: Winners will be revealed on 5 September at Liverpool Catholic Club. Learn more
NEW CHAIR OF AUSTRALIA COUNCIL: The Australia Council Board, which provides leadership to Creative Australia, has appointed Professor Wesley Enoch AM as its new Chair. He is the first practising artist and First Nations person to hold the position. Learn more
PROGRESSING A REVITALISED GOSFORD WATERFRONT: The NSW Government is preparing a targeted public domain plan for the precinct. Have your say here.
AUSTRALIAN STANDING STONES GAZETTED: The name of monument, which stands in Glen Innes’ Centennial Parklands, has been published in the NSW Government Gazette, giving the site formal geographic status. Learn more.
GRANTS TO EXPLORE ENERGY-SAVING HEAT PUMPS: The NSW Government has launched a new $1 million grants program to assist businesses to investigate the feasibility of energy-efficient heat pump technology. Learn more
XPT REVAMP PUTS PASSENGERS FIRST: The NSW Government has upgraded the XPT fleet in one of the state's most significant rail maintenance projects. Learn more
NSW RECORDS STRONG HOUSEHOLD SPENDING: Commbank data shows household spending in NSW rose by 0.7 per cent in June 2025, the strongest growth of all states and territories. Online travel bookings and ticketing services saw the biggest gains in the recreation sector. 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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