Insights - 1 May 2026
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RECORD INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AT SYDNEY AIRPORT
Sydney Airport has delivered its strongest first quarter for international travel in its history, with 4.57 million international passengers passing through its terminals in Q1 2026, representing 5.8 per cent growth year-on-year.
The Asia-Pacific accounted for much of the overall increase in international traffic, led by the Guangzhou-Sydney route, which recorded growth of 38.5 per cent.
Learn more here.
HISTORIC RUNWAY EVENT AT WESTERN SYDNEY
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Around 20,000 runners and walkers from across the country, including Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones and staff, took part in Western Sydney International Airport’s Runway Run/Walk on 26 April in support of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
More than $100,000 was raised during the event, which gave runners and walkers behind-the-scenes access to the runway at Sydney’s first 24/7 airport before it welcomes passengers and planes later this year.
GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS AMPS UP LIVE MUSIC
Great Southern Nights will bring Australia’s best acts to all corners of NSW from 1-17 May 2026.
Live music and the first of four Gig Trails launch tonight, with artists including Gordi, Hatchie and Rhythm Section Presents already sold out. Tickets to shows featuring Augie March, Beddy Rays, Jessica Mauboy, L.A.B, Larissa Lambert, Hannah Joy, MAY-A, Sons of the East, Steph Strings, Them & I and WILSN are selling fast.
Groovin the Moo will return for a one-off show in Lismore, while Live Fest Dubbo featuring Paul Kelly and Missy Higgins is approaching sold-out status. Live Fest is also set to light up Tamworth with a line-up featuring Lime Cordiale, The Living End, Jet and Thelma Plum.
Great Southern Nights is delivered by Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
NEW RESEARCH: WOMEN WANT TRAVEL GIFTS
FOR MOTHER'S DAY
New research from the Tourism & Transport Forum shows most Aussie mums and mother figures would prefer the gift of a weekend away, rather than a traditional present for Mother's Day.
This research found that nearly four in five (78 per cent) of Australian mums would be interested in receiving a staycation or holiday for their gift this year, with more than half of mums (52 per cent) saying they would love to receive a trip away with their partner and/or children. One in five (20 per cent) want a solo escape, while five per cent of mums would prefer a trip away with friends.
ENTRIES OPEN: WESTERN SYDNEY TOURISM AWARDS
Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce has opened nominations for the Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026, celebrating excellence and innovation across the tourism sector in Southwest and Western Sydney. Winners will be announced on 16 October 2026.
MARKETING AWARD FOR DESTINATION NSW
Destination NSW and Juneyao Airlines have won Destination Promotion of the Year at the Flyer’s Preferred Awards 2026, China’s most influential business travel awards platform. Winners were selected by a judging panel and votes from Chinese frequent flyers.
NAROOMA OYSTER FESTIVAL RETURNS
Narooma Oyster Festival will return for its 19th celebration of the rock oyster from 1-3 May 2026. The festival will feature South Coast oyster farmers showcasing their growing and shucking skills, alongside cruises, wellness sessions, a culinary program and live music. The 2026 Narooma Oyster Festival is proudly supported by Destination NSW.
POWERHOUSE PARRAMATTA MILESTONE
The NSW Government has announced a major construction milestone at Powerhouse Parramatta, with the museum complete and exhibition fit outs underway ahead of opening later this year. Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum ever built in NSW, set to drive jobs, tourism and a major economic boost in Western Sydney.
TOURISM MINISTERS MEET IN SYDNEY
Australia's Tourism Ministers met in Sydney on 30 April 2026 to discuss their ongoing collaboration and continued efforts to support the country's tourism industry. Topics included the conflict in the Middle East and the impact on global fuel security.
FIBRE OPTIC ARTWORK FOR MILDURA
A major new art, light and sound installation has launched in Mildura. Conceived by artist Bruce Munro, Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra brings together 80 Hills Hoist-style artworks, each adorned with lighting and representing a different instrument.
SHELLHARBOUR MARINE TOURISM PRECINCT
The NSW Government and Shellharbour Council have celebrated the start of construction on the Boathouse Tourism and Marine project at Shellharbour. The development will deliver a purpose‑built marine tourism hub combining specialist watercraft infrastructure with premium dining, entertainment and event facilities.
CLOSING SOON: NSW TOURISM TOWN VOTING
Public voting will close on 3 May 2026 for the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards. The awards program, run by the NSW Tourism Association, brings a focus to regional tourism and the tour guides bringing the towns to life. Winners will be announced on 27 May at the LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Maitland.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
APPLICATIONS OPEN TO ATTEND AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE SOUTH EAST ASIA 2026: The Tourism Australia event will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 22-24 July. Learn more
NSW GOVERNMENT AWARDS FIRST ROUND OF LOCAL AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: The grants will support 28 events and venues with up to $100,000 each, including the Milton Folk Jazz & Blues Festival and Sounds Fresh Music Festival in Penrith. Learn more
NEW EVENTS CENTRE FOR FAIRFIELD: The NSW Government has approved a new $50 million community and events centre that will become a premier destination in Sydney’s west. Learn more
NSW LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2026 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: Winners will be revealed at the LG Awards Dinner on 4 June 2026. Learn more
CRUISE360 AUSTRALASIA RETURNS TO SYDNEY: The annual cruise industry event will be held at ICC Sydney on 17-18 September 2026. Learn more
REGISTER FOR SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION WEBINAR: The session on 20 May 2026 will share insights from the Hospitality Rising global report, together with learnings from Australian businesses that have completed the Food Made Good Standard. Learn more
STAYZ TOP 10 AUSTRALIAN HOLIDAY HOMES OF THE YEAR: Three NSW holiday homes made the list. Learn more
$820 MILLION NSW PUBLIC TRANSPORT TICKETING UPGRADE: A new Opal app and the introduction of a digital Opal card will be delivered under the biggest overhaul of the NSW public transport ticketing system since its rollout 13 years ago. Learn more
NSW HERITAGE STRATEGY UNVEILED: This Heritage Month, the NSW Government has launched its first-ever NSW Heritage Strategy, which aims to modernise the state's heritage system, tell more diverse stories of NSW’s history and make it easier for people to care for heritage items. Learn more
TOP HOTEL PERKS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS: Flight Centre Corporate Traveller 2026 booking data has revealed location is the first consideration when choosing accommodation, followed by a complimentary breakfast. 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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