Insights - 14 January 2025
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JOIN OUR EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
Destination NSW will present a series of Experience Development workshops during 2025 aimed at upskilling visitor economy businesses across the state.
The workshops will support visitor economy operators to deliver authentic, sustainable and personalised experiences that position NSW as Australia's number one destination for unforgettable travel moments.
Held in eight locations in Sydney and regional NSW, the free, full-day workshops will be delivered under Destination NSW’s capability-focused NSW First Program. They are designed for businesses including tour, attraction and accommodation providers looking to create new visitor experiences or refine existing ones.
NSW REGIONAL AIRPORTS SET TO FLY HIGH
The Australian Government will invest almost $12 million to upgrade regional airports across NSW.
The funding, which is provided under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, will deliver upgrades such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage.
The announcement was made in Merimbula, with Bega Valley Shire Council to receive almost $3.8 million to deliver stage two of Merimbula Airport’s runway extension.
Other airports to receive funding under Round 4 are Moruya Airport, Albury Airport, Moree Regional Airport, Griffith Regional Airport and Mudgee Regional Airport
NEW SUPPORT TO SAVE REX
Following the announcement of the Round 4 recipients of the Regional Airports Program, the Australian Government also confirmed it will work with the administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex) during its upcoming sale process to ensure regional aviation services continue beyond 30 June 2025.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian Government would discuss potential support with shortlisted bidders to maximise the prospect of a successful sale. A waiver of the “use it or lose it” test for Rex regional flight slots at Sydney Airport has also been issued to ensure Rex's access to the slots until 24 October 2026.
In the event there is no sale, the Australian Government said it will consider acquiring Rex.
Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Managing Director Peter Shelley said: “This is an important step towards securing reliable and affordable domestic air services, which are vital to those living in regional communities and for domestic and international visitors looking to experience Australia’s unique regional destinations."
Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) CEO Dean Long said: "If we allow Rex to collapse, it’s going to lead to even higher prices for regional communities, but critically also a huge loss of connectivity, which will have a significant impact on their economies.”
Australian Airports Association (AAA) CEO Simon Westaway said: “Air connectivity is a lifeline for regional and rural Australia [and] it is essential that governments and industry work together to secure sustainable air services for the future.”
SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS RETURNS
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival returns from 14 February to 2 March 2025, celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride, culture and community.
The festival will feature a line-up of more than 150 artists across 80 events, ranging from Fair Day to the Mardi Gras Parade and Party.
Supported proudly by Destination NSW, the Mardi Gras Parade will feature thousands of participants led by the Dykes on Bikes, First Nations and 78ers floats.
Every year Sydney Mardi Gras brings substantial social and economic benefits to Sydney and NSW. The 2025 Mardi Gras Parade is projected to attract nearly 38,000 visitors and generate more than $42 million in visitor expenditure.
A Progress Pride flag will be raised above Sydney Town Hall tonight to launch the festival, following the unveiling of a new rainbow intersection outside Qtopia, Sydney’s museum of LGBTQIA+ history and culture.
SYDNEY LANDS MORE HONG KONG FLIGHTS
Sydney Airport will welcome its second Hong Kong-based carrier on 20 June 2025, with Hong Kong Airlines launching an inaugural daily service to Sydney. Daily flights between the cities will increase from five to six and boost seat capacity by nearly 20 per cent. Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: "The support of the NSW Government and Destination NSW was critical in securing this new service and it’s a great example of how our strong and productive partnership is delivering for Sydney and NSW."
TURKISH AIRLINES GOES DAILY AT SYDNEY AIRPORT
Less than three months after commencing its inaugural Istanbul-Sydney service, Turkish Airlines plans to increase to daily services from 12 January 2026. The airline will gradually expand its services in 2025, increasing from four to five flights per week in mid-June and to six per week by the end of October. It is expected to become a non-stop service in 2026. The new route was made possible with support from the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, administered by Destination NSW.
INTERNATIONAL VISITOR ARRIVALS SOAR
Short-term visitor arrivals to Australia reached 945,280 in December 2024, an increase of 7.8 per cent on December 2023 and 12.3 per cent lower than December 2019. There were 358,290 short-term visitor arrivals to NSW in December 2024, just 7.8 per cent lower than December 2019. The three leading source countries for NSW were United States (48,060), United Kingdom (39,170) and New Zealand (38,920).
AUSTRALIA'S BEST BEACHES FOR 2025
Woolgoolga has been named the country’s best mainland beach on the 2025 Best Australian Beaches list. The list is compiled annually by Tourism Australia beach ambassador Brad Farmer AM. Mr Farmer said Woolgoolga on the NSW Mid North Coast was “blessed with varied beachscapes, lagoons, waterways and headlands to enjoy on a daytrip or an extended stay”. Caves Beach in Lake Macquarie also made the top 10.
VIVID SYDNEY LOCAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
Destination NSW's capability-building NSW First program will host a webinar on the Vivid Sydney 2025 Local Business Program on 17 February 2025. It will provide operators in Sydney CBD with information on this year's program and how they can take advantage of increased visitation during the festival.
AUSTRALIA TRIUMPHS AT AIRLINE AWARDS
AirlineRatings.com has announced the winners of the World’s Best Airline Awards for 2025. Virgin Australia won World’s Best Regional Airline and World’s Best Cabin Crew, Qantas was awarded World’s Best Airline Branded Lounges and was joint winner of World's Best Premium Economy.
DESTINATION NSW VISITS FIRST BRADFIELD BUILDING
Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones joined Secretary of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Elizabeth Mildwater and Board member Andrew McEvoy this week to tour the first building to be completed at Bradfield City Centre following the formal adoption of the new city's master plan. Bradfield is located adjacent to Western Sydney International Airport, which is on track to open in 2026.
CELEBRATING AIME 2025 SUCCESS
Destination NSW joined 40 NSW visitor economy businesses at Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event 2025 from 10-12 February, driving new growth opportunities in the business events sector. At the NSW stand, more than 700 meetings linked buyers with destinations, venues and experience providers. Tourism Research Australia data shows business visitors spend $577 per night, triple the average leisure visitor spend.
CCIA NSW CEO STEPS DOWN
Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA NSW) CEO Lyndel Gray has announced she will step down after 13 years in the role. CCIA NSW said: "Lyndel has been pivotal in establishing our reputation as the peak body for the caravan and camping, land lease living and manufactured housing industries in NSW." The recruitment process has commenced for a new CEO.
TRAVEL TOPS GIFTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
Australians will spend a record $535 million on Valentine’s Day, with experiences such as trips away and dinners among their top gift choices. According to a Roy Morgan survey, people aged 18-34 make up the majority of shoppers this year (27 per cent), with most Valentine’s Day spending set to take place in NSW ($210 million) with an average spend of $171 per person.
ECO CERTIFICATION FOR BARRINGTON COAST
The Barrington Coast has achieved ECO Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia, highlighting its dedication to protecting the environment. The Barrington Coast is home to the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of the Barrington Tops and the Myall Lakes wetlands. Destination NSW has partnered with Ecotourism Australia to provide free access for NSW visitor economy businesses to the pre-certification Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.
SAPPHIRE COAST HOSTS EAT FESTIVAL 2025
EAT Festival will return to the Sapphire Coast on 9 March 2025. Held on the shores of Merimbula Lake, the festival is an annual celebration of local produce, growers, distillers, brewers and chefs. Participating businesses include Valentina, North of Eden Gin, Bar Monti, Umiko, Eastwoods, Kitty’s Bar, Dulcies, Sapphire Coast Wilderness Oysters, Nine Circles Distillery and Mor Mors. EAT Festival is supported proudly by Destination NSW through the Regional Event Fund.
NSW ATTRACTIONS TRIUMPH ON GOOGLE
Google Maps has curated a list of Australia's most reviewed locations on the platform, with NSW taking out Most-Reviewed Restaurant (Dosa Hut Indian Restaurant, Harris Park), Most-Reviewed Visitor Attraction (Darling Harbour, Sydney) and Most-Reviewed Ice Cream Shop (Cow & The Moon, Enmore).
HADESTOWN PREMIERES
IN SYDNEY
West End and Broadway musical hit Hadestown has premiered at Theatre Royal Sydney. The production blends modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz to reimagine the ancient story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Hadestown is supported proudly by Destination NSW.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
METROPOLITAN GREENSPACE GRANTS: The NSW Government has invited councils in Greater Sydney and the Central Coast to apply for a share of $4 million in grants to build more parks, playgrounds, walking tracks and restore local bushlands. Learn more
BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL TICKETS ON SALE: The Sydney Lyric Theatre will host the production's Australian premiere in September 2025, supported proudly by Destination NSW. Learn more
HAWKESBURY CITY COUNCIL EVENT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM: Funding is available to support events that celebrate the region’s heritage and promote economic growth. Learn more
PLANNING IN PROGRESS FOR JOHN RENSHAW DRIVE UPGRADE: The Australian and NSW Governments are investing $15 million to progress planning work to help cut congestion, reduce travel times and improve road safety at the Hunter traffic bottleneck. Learn more
DISASTER SUPPORT FOR SIX NEW NSW REGIONS: The Australian and NSW Governments have extended disaster recovery support for the Central Coast, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and Wingecarribee following severe weather events. 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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