Insights - 10 July 2026
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NEW FUNDING TO POWER UP REGIONAL EVENTS
Destination NSW is investing in grassroots events across regional NSW, with more than $1.3 million to be injected into local communities through the 2026-27 Regional Event Fund.
From food and wine festivals to cultural celebrations and sporting events, the funding will support 56 events across the state.
Grants of up to $50,000 will assist with marketing, PR, infrastructure and equipment hire, helping event organisers enhance visitor experiences, increase overnight stays and drive spending in regional areas.
LANDMARK ARTWORK UNVEILED AT BARANGAROO
In partnership with Infrastructure NSW, Lendlease has unveiled a new public artwork in Watermans Cove, Barangaroo—Monuments for Fishes by Sydney artist Mikala Dwyer.
One of the largest floating and kinetic artworks in the world, the piece features five sculptural monuments rising to 23 metres above sea level from the harbour, inspired by lightweight fishing floats and paying homage to Aboriginal fisherwomen.
The installation marks the completion of the broader Public Art and Cultural Plan for Barangaroo, delivering five permanent public artworks over more than 10 years.
LIVEABILITY ACCOLADE FOR SYDNEY
The Economist Intelligence Unit's latest Global Liveability Index has named Sydney as the world’s fourth most liveable city for 2026.
The annual ranking assessed 173 cities worldwide across indicators such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
Sydney received an overall score of 97, with the city's easy access to nature, multicultural neighbourhoods and outdoor lifestyle enhancing its liveability, while also elevating its appeal among visitors.
WESTERN SYDNEY MEETINGS FUNDING
BESydney's Western Sydney Meetings Fund has been fully allocated, unlocking an estimated $35 million in direct expenditure for the region. The inaugural fund attracted strong national interest, with BESydney offering funding support to 25 associations and corporates for business events in 2027 and 2028 if they choose Western Sydney as their host destination.
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT SUMMIT
Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue held its annual Airport City Summit on 3 July 2026, exploring the opportunities Western Sydney International Airport will bring to the region. The event brought together government, industry and community leaders, with Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones joining in a panel discussion on positioning Western Sydney as Australia's new global gateway.
OECD TOURISM TRENDS REPORT
A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)—Tourism Trends and Policies 2026—has explored shifting visitor behaviour. Millennials and Gen Z are projected to account for more than half of global travellers by 2030, with spending patterns increasingly oriented towards experiences rather than goods.
WEBINAR: LAND TAX EXEMPTION
Revenue NSW will host an online webinar on the Primary Production Land Exemption for Land Tax in NSW on 28 July 2026. The session will give an overview of what qualifies as primary production land and the key requirements for accessing the exemption. It will also explain how the exemption may be affected by activities such as agritourism.
TRAVEL + LEISURE ACCOLADES FOR NSW
Travel + Leisure has announced the results of its 2026 World's Best Awards, with Sydney hotels dominating the Australia & New Zealand category. Capella Sydney, InterContinental Sydney, Park Hyatt Sydney and Four Seasons Sydney received the top results for the region.
RECORD CROWD FOR WALLABIES MATCH
The Wallabies versus Ireland match on 4 July 2026 attracted a record crowd of 41,971 at Allianz Stadium. Part of the Nations Championship, which features the world's 12 strongest rugby union teams, the match was proudly supported by Destination NSW.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
TCS SYDNEY MARATHON LOCAL BUSINESS PROGRAM: The Run Perks program will provide opportunities to engage with domestic and international visitors and drive business exposure. Expressions of interest close on 24 July 2026. Learn more
CANBERRA TO COFFS HARBOUR FLIGHTS RESUME: Link Airways will recommence flights between the cities from 10 September 2026 to 10 January 2027. Learn more
2026 NSW WINE AWARDS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS: For more information on wine show registration and submissions click here.
$5.5 MILLION TO KEEP SURF CLUBS BEACH READY: NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs can apply for funding through the NSW Government's Surf Club Facility Program. Learn more
CITY OF SYDNEY GRANTS PROGRAM: Applications for the annual funding round open on 21 July 2026. Learn more
NATIONAL FARM TOURISM SURVEY: Tourism Australia has commissioned a survey to better understand the current state of farm tourism across Australia. Farmers offering visitor experiences can access the survey here.
CAMERON SMITH SET FOR 2026 AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: The tournament will be played in Sydney for the first time in nearly 30 years in November, proudly supported by Destination NSW. 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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