Insights - 7 August 2026
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HOTEL SECTOR ENTERS NEW GROWTH PHASE
New CBRE research forecasts the Australian hotel sector is set to enter a new growth phase. Modelling by the commercial real estate services provider suggests national hotel occupancy could rise to 80 per cent by 2030.
The Beyond Recovery report outlines how Australia's distinctive tourism offering, strong global reputation, continued investment in tourism infrastructure and major events pipeline are providing a solid platform for future demand.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA RELEASES NEW STRATEGY
TO GROW GLOBAL DEMAND
Tourism Australia has released its new 10-year strategic Tourism 2035 plan, aimed at creating future demand and competitiveness for Australia as a destination internationally and supporting the nation’s tourism sector.
The strategy aims to grow overnight high-yield visitor expenditure to between $61 billion and $69 billion by 2035. It identifies 10 global factors influencing travel demand, including Asian markets driving the next wave of growth and the "massive potential" of major events.
RESILIENT PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT SYDNEY AIRPORT
More than 20.7 million passengers travelled through Sydney Airport in the first six months of 2026.
International passenger traffic increased 2.1 per cent to 8.44 million passengers, while domestic passenger traffic grew one per cent to 12.29 million passengers.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “While conflict in the Middle East affected travel patterns during the quarter, demand for travel to and from Sydney remained resilient.
“With more than 20.7 million passengers travelling through the airport in the first half of the year, demand remains ahead of 2025 levels and reinforces Sydney Airport’s role as Australia’s busiest international gateway."
MORE PRECINCTS JOIN PURPLE FLAG PROGRAM
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner's $360,000 Purple Flag Readiness Grant Program is supporting the expansion of the current network of Purple Flag precincts to more local government areas. Purple Flag is an international initiative that recognises excellence in night-time precinct management.
UPGRADES FOR SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
The NSW Government is funding critical maintenance and upgrades to protect the future of the Sydney Opera House. The work will focus on infrastructure, technology and systems that have not been upgraded since the performing arts centre opened in 1973. The World Heritage-listed building welcomes nearly 11 million visitors each year.
EVOLVING YOUTH TRAVEL PRIORITIES
New research commissioned by Intrepid Travel has revealed 67 per cent of youth travellers from Australia, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom prefer lesser-known destinations over hotspots, while 83 per cent want to visit places they haven't seen on social media and 77 per cent believe engaging with local experts will enrich their experience.
NEW REPORT: ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CRUISE
Australia’s Paddock to Port Economic Impact Report shows the cruise industry contributes more than $7.3 billion in annual economic activity in Australia and supports more than 22,000 Australian jobs. Cruise passengers spend around $1.8 billion on accommodation, shore excursions, retail, transport, dining and other visitor expenditure.
TOURISM CONFERENCE FOR PORT MACQUARIE
Port Macquarie Hastings Council will host the North Coast Tourism Symposium and Regional Tourism Awards Gala in 2027. Around 220 delegates are expected to attend, with the events to be held at the Glasshouse.
BLUE MOUNTAINS HOSTS ANTIQUES ROADSHOW
Antiques Roadshow has filmed an Australian pilot of the BBC television series at the National Trust Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum in the Blue Mountains. The pilot is hosted by The Chase's Issa Schultz.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
TICKETS SELL OUT FOR 2026 MUNDI MUNDI BASH: Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event will be held on the Mundi Mundi Plains from 20-22 August. Learn more
NEW EU SUSTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS: Tourism Australia will host an industry webinar on 21 August 2026 focused on the European Union's new requirements for avoiding misleading environmental and social claims. Register here
FUNDING TO DELIVER NEW NORTH CRONULLA SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB: The NSW Government is investing $10 million in the redevelopment of the beachfront club to ensure volunteers have a modern facility to support their lifesaving operations. Learn more
ACCOLADE FOR ICC SYDNEY'S WILLIAM WILSON: The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has announced ICC Sydney Senior Manager, Retail and Beverage Services William Wilson as the recipient of its RAS Contributor Award. Learn more
REGISTER FOR TOURISM AUSTRALIA INDUSTRY BRIEFING: The briefing will be held in Sydney on 20 August 2026 and will include updates on current trends and market insights as well as the latest details on Tourism Australia’s marketing activity and strategy. Learn more
JETSTAR TO CHARGE FOR OVERHEAD BAGS: From 2027 onwards, bookings will include an additional charge for bags placed in overhead lockers. Learn more
TRAVEL AND TOURISM SECTOR SURPASSES $1.5 TRILLION: The World Travel & Tourism Council's latest Global Trends Report found investment in travel and tourism reached $1.52 trillion in 2025, an increase of 8.5 per cent year-on-year. 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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