Insights - 12 June 2026
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WELLNESS TOURISM DRIVES VISITOR
ECONOMY GROWTH
The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 has identified wellness tourism as a key strength for the state, attracting high-value travellers and driving repeat visitation.
Destination NSW recently partnered with research agency FiftyFive5 to develop research into the domestic market, which revealed that 80 per cent of total domestic visitors to NSW are interested in luxury and wellness experiences.
The most popular wellness experiences were hot springs and forest bathing (52 per cent), followed by spa treatments (41 per cent) and wellness retreats (34 per cent).
Learn more here.
OPRAH'S WELLNESS DESTINATION OF THE YEAR
The latest edition of Oprah Daily has named Australia as its Wellness Destination of the Year.
The website's annual ‘Transformative Travel’ issue showcases Oprah Winfrey's recent visit to Australia and features her favourite places to stay, eat and hike in Sydney.
Learn more here.
NSW TO CELEBRATE GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY
NSW is stepping into the spotlight as a leader in wellness travel, with Sydney set to become the first city in the world to mark Global Wellness Day 2026 on 13 June.
Global Wellness Institute research shows the sector is currently worth almost $1.2 trillion, with Australia the fifth largest wellness tourism market globally.
Founder of Well Traveller and Global Wellness Day’s Australian Ambassador Katherine Droga said: “Travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that help them slow down, feel calmer and reconnect — not just physically, but emotionally.
"Sydney and NSW are uniquely positioned to lead this shift, offering the kind of outdoor, nature-based and culturally rich experiences that support true restoration.”
WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
ANNOUNCES FIRST DOMESTIC FLIGHT
After 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a year of testing, Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) will welcome its first passengers on 25 October 2026.
WSI is Australia’s new full-service airport, operating curfew-free to deliver international, domestic and freight services.
Jetstar Airways will take to the skies with the airport’s first commercial passenger flight at 11am on 25 October, with the airline planning 14 flights a week on Melbourne, Gold Coast and Brisbane routes. Qantas will commence services from WSI from 28 March 2027, operating routes from Brisbane and Melbourne to Western Sydney.
Learn more here.
INDUSTRY CELEBRATES WSI MILESTONE
Visitor economy associations and industry bodies have welcomed the opening date for passenger services at Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).
The Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: "This announcement represents one of the most significant pieces of transport infrastructure delivered in Australia in recent generations. WSI will provide much-needed aviation capacity for Sydney and unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment."
Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said: “Western Sydney is now Australia’s third-largest economy and home to half of the city’s population. The airport will showcase this vibrant area and its hotels, as well as bring more visitors into Sydney and the rest of NSW."
VIVID SYDNEY FOCUSES ON ACCESSIBILITY
Visitors of all abilities have two nights left to attend the most accessible Vivid Sydney in the event’s history. Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington joined Member for Gosford and former Paralympian Liesl Tesch AM to experience initiatives that have enabled more people to enjoy the festival.
NSW WINE SHOWCASED AT VIVID SYDNEY
Vivid Sydney 2026 has been shining a spotlighting on the quality and diversity of NSW wine. NSW is the birthplace of Australian wine, with the country’s first vines planted at Circular Quay in 1788. Almost 240 years later, Vivid Sydney has hosted experiences in the streets surrounding the first vineyard.
VALUE OF BUSINESS EVENTS TO NSW
New data shows NSW welcomed 7.2 million domestic and international business event visitors in the year ending December 2025. These visitors stayed 14.1 million nights and spent an estimated $5.8 billion during their trips. NSW was the number one destination for visitors, nights and expenditure.
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PLANNING REFORMS
The NSW Government is introducing planning measures to increase capacity and operating hours for outdoor events at the Sydney Opera House. The venue welcomes around 10 million visitors each year and hosts 1800 performances and events for more than 1.4 million attendees annually.
SUPPORT TO ATTEND ATIC 2026
Destination NSW has opened applications for delegate sponsorship support to attend the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2026. The conference will be held in Perth from 3-5 November and will feature trade and media education activities, workshops and industry insights.
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS IN APRIL 2026
New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows NSW welcomed the country's highest number of international visitor arrivals for short-term trips in April 2026 (242,650, up three per cent year-on-year). China was the top source market, followed by New Zealand and the United States.
WHITE START TO 2026
SKI SEASON
The 2026 Australian ski season launched on 6 June, with Perisher recording 30cm of snow prior to opening weekend and Thredbo receiving 13cm. Data from Snow Resorts Australia shows the country's ski resorts recorded more than two million visits in 2025, up 20 per cent on the previous year.
WINTER PLAYCATION TRAVEL TREND
New Airbnb research shows adult 'playcations' are a popular trend with domestic travellers this winter. Two NSW destinations were highlighted: Port Stephens for golf and Lake Macquarie for water sports. Lismore was also described as a 'trending hotspot', based on search trends in the first quarter of 2026.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
NSW TOURISM AWARDS NOMINATIONS EXTENDED: Tourism businesses have until 19 June 2026 to submit their nominations. Learn more
SELLER APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE UK & EUROPE 2026: Tourism Australia will host the event in London from 16-18 November. Learn more
ALBURY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE CONVENTION WING REDEVELOPMENT: Work has officially commenced and will increase the facility’s capacity to host large-scale business, conference, cultural and tourism events. Learn more
NATIONAL INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF AUSTRALIA HEADS TO BROKEN HILL: Proudly supported by Destination NSW through a three-year partnership, the festival brings Indian films to the heart of regional NSW. Learn more
SUPPORT FOR LAKEMBA NIGHTS STALL HOLDERS: The NSW Government's Permit/Plug/Play program will facilitate City of Canterbury Bankstown changing the event's stallholder fee model. Learn more
BRIDGECLIMB SYDNEY COMMENCES BRIDGEMUSEUM REDEVELOPMENT: Works will transform the former Pylon Lookout & Museum into an immersive, interactive destination. Learn more
GOSFORD WATERFRONT REVITALISATION: The NSW Government has announced a $41 million investment in the project. Learn more
SYDNEY AIRPORT FUNDS SEAGRASS RESTORATION PROJECT: The five-year partnership to support the restoration of seagrass meadows in Botany Bay will involve scientists, Aboriginal rangers and the local community. Learn more
ATIA AND CATO MERGER CONFIRMED: Members of the Australian Travel Industry Association have unanimously voted in favour of a 1 July 2026 merger with the Council of Australian Tour Operators. Learn more
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES FLIGHT SEARCH FUNCTIONALITY IN CHATGPT: The collaboration with OpenAI will provide a new way for passengers to explore fares and destinations. Learn more
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2027 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS: The awards will celebrate the achievements and contributions of extraordinary people. Nominations close at midnight on 31 July 2026. 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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