Insights - 29 May 2026
No images? Click here
NSW TOP TOURISM TOWNS FOR 2026 ANNOUNCED
The NSW Tourism Association announced the winners of the 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards this week at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference.
The awards program celebrates the outstanding regional destinations across NSW that deliver exceptional visitor experiences, showcase strong community pride and continue to inspire travellers to explore more of the state.
The Gold winner for Top Tourism Town (population over 5000) was Kiama; Gold in the Small Tourism Town (population between 1500 – 5000) category went to Gulgong; with Broke winning Gold in the Tiny Tourism Town (population below 1500) category.
Gold winners will represent NSW at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra later this year.
VIVID SYDNEY: HIGHLIGHTS FROM OPENING WEEK
The Harbour City has once again been transformed during the first week of Vivid Sydney 2026.
The program has been expanded to include new artforms including aerial performance, day-time public art, theatre and dance. These join the Vivid Light, Music, Minds and Food offerings to make Vivid Sydney one of the great comprehensive arts festivals of the world.
More than 80 per cent of this year’s program is free and the condensed 6.5km light walk features 43 installations, projections and large-scale public artworks.
The festival also features exclusive collaborations with cultural institutions, venues and arts companies including the State Library of NSW, Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Carriageworks, City Recital Hall, Australian National Maritime Museum, The Mint and more.
ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE WEBINARS
Join Destination NSW for two free webinars designed to help businesses be more accessible and inclusive. Delivered in partnership with Get Skilled Access, the first webinar, on 4 June, will focus on non-visible disability; while the 18 June webinar will explore inclusive and accessible events.
VIVID SYDNEY FOCUSES ON ACCESSIBILITY
Vivid Sydney is welcoming visitors of all abilities from 22 May to 13 June 2026. Vivid Light Walk has step-free pathways throughout most of the route; Vivid Fire Kitchen has accessible amenities; and visitors with hearing difficulties can experience Feel The Beat at Tumbalong Park through haptic technology.
ENTRIES CLOSING: NSW TOURISM AWARDS
Nominations for the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards close on 12 June. Delivered by the NSW Tourism Association, the awards program recognises the operators, experiences and destinations driving visitor economy success. The NSW Tourism Awards are proudly supported by Destination NSW.
SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL AIRPORTS
The Australian Government has provided financial relief to regional and remote airports through the Regional and Remote Airport Support Program. Funding will help airports manage debts linked to the voluntary administration of Rex Airlines and maintain essential aviation services they provide.
2026 NSW OYSTER CONFERENCE
The 2026 NSW Oyster Conference was held in Merimbula from 26–28 May, proudly supported by Destination NSW. Destination NSW Visitor Experience Manager Culinary & Agritourism Adriana Perabo presented on agritourism opportunities for oyster farmers.
MACARTHUR TOURISM GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
The inaugural Macarthur Together event was held on 21 May 2026 at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. Destination NSW Senior Coordinator Journeys Tenille Campbell joined a panel discussion exploring opportunities to unlock growth in the region.
INAUGURAL TRAVEL TECH CONFERENCE
Arival 360 will bring visitor experience operators together in Brisbane from 22-24 June 2026 to explore technology, distribution, connectivity and AI and how these innovations are reshaping tours, activities, attractions and multi-day experiences.
RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FUNDING
The Australian Government is investing $12.4 million in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup to support the planning, logistics and delivery of the event across host cities including Sydney. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the tournament will kick off in October.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
BAYS WEST DELIVERY AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED: The NSW Government has established the Authority to lead the development of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct, with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Learn more
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR RETURNS: The event will be held from 3–5 July 2026 at a new location—The Cutaway Barangaroo—and is proudly supported by Destination NSW. Learn more
TOURISM AUSTRALIA APPOINTS EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER GLOBAL MARKETS: Kathryn O’Brien, currently Air New Zealand General Manager Australia, will commence in her new role on 10 August 2026. Learn more
THE WEST JOURNAL APP LAUNCHES: The platform will bring local-led discovery of things to do in Western Sydney. 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
DID YOU ENJOY THIS NEWSLETTER? Forward it to colleagues and friends so they can subscribe too. Was this issue forwarded to you? Click here to sign up
