Insights - 17 July 2026
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NSW ACCOMMODATION AWARDS
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
NSW’s top tourism accommodation providers have been honoured at the 2026 Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence held on 16 July 2026 at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said this year’s awards broke all records with more than 383 nominations received across 41 different categories.
Two awards were supported proudly by Destination NSW, Regional Superior Hotel of the Year – won by Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges – and Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year – won by Spicers Sangoma Retreat.
VIVID SYDNEY DRIVES HOTEL OCCUPANCY SURGE
Vivid Sydney helped the city’s hotel industry achieve year-on-year performance growth in June 2026, including its highest occupancy rate since June 2019.
According to preliminary data from CoStar, occupancy peaked over the King’s Birthday long weekend, reaching 92.7 per cent on Saturday 6 June.
Vivid Sydney 2027 will be held from 28 May to 19 June, with the program dates shifting slightly from previous years to better align with the timing of the June public holiday.
TOURISM INDUSTRY WELCOMES DIGITAL
PASSENGER CARD ROLL OUT
Filling out paper forms will soon be a thing of the past for millions of travellers to Australia as digital passenger cards roll out following a successful trial.
The Australian Government will provide $56.1 million over four years for traveller modernisation at airports across Australia.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: "For many visitors, Sydney Airport is their first impression of Australia. A digital declaration card is a simple, practical change that will help deliver a faster welcome while maintaining strong border security.
"This is an important step towards a more seamless border experience that keeps Australia competitive, supports tourism and economic growth, and helps prepare Sydney Airport to welcome 72 million passengers a year by 2045."
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS MAY 2026
Australian Bureau of Statistics data has revealed the impact of the Middle East conflict on visitation to NSW. International arrivals fell 0.9 per cent in May 2026 (down 0.9 per cent year-on-year). China was the largest source market (34,830 trips), followed by New Zealand (31,840) and the United States (21,750). Arrivals from China, South Korea and Singapore increased year-on-year.
JOIN DESTINATION NSW AT AIME 2027
Expressions of interest are open to co-exhibit with Destination NSW at Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2027. Taking place from 15–17 February 2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, AIME will attract event planners, buyers and decision-makers from around the globe, creating valuable growth opportunities for NSW businesses.
SUSTAINABLE AVIATION SUMMIT FOR SYDNEY
Sydney has been selected to host the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) APAC Summit in a landmark three-year deal that will anchor the event in the city from 2027–29. Previously held in Melbourne, the summit was secured by BESydney and is expected to deliver an estimated $2.3 million in direct expenditure to the NSW economy each year.
TEST FOR AUSALERT WARNING SYSTEM
The Australian Government will conduct a test of its new warning system, AusAlert, at 2pm on 27 July 2026. The system sends messages to mobile devices to inform and prepare people during emergencies. Tourism operators have been asked to ensure visitors are aware testing is taking place to ensure they are not alarmed when they receive an alert.
WORLD CUP BOOST FOR HOSPITALITY VENUES
New ANZ insights show the FIFA World Cup has delivered a spending boost in Australia, with fans flocking to pubs, cafes and takeaway outlets as they embrace both at-home viewing and shared match-day experiences.
CURTIS STONE TO OPEN SYDNEY RESTAURANT
Celebrity chef Curtis Stone will open his first restaurant in Australia next year on the 25th floor of the new Waldorf Astoria Sydney at Circular Quay. The 100-seat venue will offer harbour views and a menu highlighting Australian ingredients.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
The Banksia Foundation 2026 NSW Sustainability Awards, in partnership with the NSW Government, through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, are now open for entries. There are 11 categories, including a Sustainable Tourism Award.
THE WORLD'S NO.1 WILDLIFE DESTINATION
Move over Africa, new research shows Australia is the world’s top wildlife destination. According to UK-based adventure travel company Explore Worldwide, there's a new Big Five, with NSW named the best place to spot three of them.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW FUNDING FOR CROWN RESERVES: The NSW Government will provide more than $12.45 million in grants to maintain and improve Crown land reserves. Learn more
MAJOR REMEDIATION TO RESTORE WATERFALL WAY: Work will begin in early August, delivering a long-term solution to improve safety and strengthen the road's resilience. Learn more
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
LAND TAX EXEMPTION WEBINAR: Revenue NSW will host an online webinar on the Primary Production Land Exemption for Land Tax in NSW on 28 July 2026. It will include information on how the exemption may be affected by activities such as agritourism. Learn more
CARGO TRIALS KICK OFF AT WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: The first freighter touched down on 13 April, ahead of the hub’s formal opening and inaugural commercial services on 26 July. 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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