Insights - 28 November 2025
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NSW TOURISM AWARDS 2025 WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners at the NSW Tourism Awards 2025.
The NSW Tourism Association presented gold, silver and bronze awards across 30 categories, recognising excellence in business practices, visitor experiences and sustainability.
Winners were celebrated across the state, from Tathra Beach Eco Camp and Sydney By Kayak to Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash and Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council.
The NSW Tourism Awards 2025 were proudly supported by Destination NSW and attended by Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper and Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones.
NSW SCORES RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2026
NSW has secured a blockbuster schedule of Rugby League World Cup 2026 matches, reinforcing the state as the sporting events capital of the nation. Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong will all play key roles as host cities.
Proudly supported by Destination NSW, it’s estimated the tournament will attract more than 32,000 fans to NSW and inject more than $19 million into the visitor economy, delivering significant benefits to hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses.
The announcement adds to the state’s unrivalled line-up of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, New Year’s Ashes Test, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Sydney 500, Bathurst 1000, State of Origin, NRL and NRLW Grand Finals and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.
Learn more here.
TWO WALLABIES TESTS CONFIRMED FOR SYDNEY
Rugby Australia has announced the 2026 Test program for the Wallabies ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Destination NSW proudly supporting two key matches.
The team's first-ever Test in the inaugural Nations Championship against Ireland will be held at Allianz Stadium on 4 July and a potential Bledisloe Cup series decider will be held at Accor Stadium on 17 October.
The matches will not only bring out Wallabies fans from across the country but will also draw overseas fans to Sydney, providing an enormous boost to the NSW visitor economy.
DESTINATION NSW RELEASES 2024-25 ANNUAL REPORT
Destination NSW has released its 2024-25 Annual Report, which provides a summary of the agency’s activities and performance, showing how public resources were applied during the reporting period.
It features achievements and initiatives that were undertaken during the financial year ended 30 June 2025 to support the growth and sustainability of the NSW visitor economy.
CREATIVE FUNDING FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
Create NSW has launched the Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program, designed to foster new partnerships, strengthen local creative ecosystems and share the region’s stories with the world. The program will invest $2.15 million this financial year towards projects and programs co-funded with councils, arts and cultural organisations, universities, philanthropists and businesses.
NSW VISITOR ECONOMY FORUM INSIGHTS HUB
The five pillars of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 were brought to life last week at the NSW Visitor Economy Forum 2025. Visit our Insights Hub to learn how Destination NSW will make it easier for people to visit the state, elevate the NSW and Sydney brands, drive growth through events, deliver immersive visitor experiences and leverage data and insights.
NSW UNVEILS RENEWABLE FUEL STRATEGY
The NSW Government has launched its Renewable Fuel Strategy to accelerate the production and use of renewable fuels in NSW, to drive down emissions and underpin industrial activity in NSW. Renewable fuels are low carbon alternatives to fossil fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel.
WORLD'S TOP 10 SUNRISE LOCATIONS
Travelbag has named the world's top 10 sunrises, with Sydney taking out second place. The UK-based travel agency analysed Instagram and TikTok hashtag data to compile the list. Sydney had the highest number of Instagram posts (43,100) and was also the fourth most popular location for sunsets.
NSW ON TOP FOR TOURISM PROJECTS
Tourism Research Australia's 2024-25 Tourism Investment Monitor shows NSW had the highest number of projects during the period. There were 104 projects across the state, valued at $18 billion, in the aviation, arts, recreation, business services and accommodation sectors. Total investment in NSW grew by $1.7 billion (10 per cent).
CRUISE SHIP CHRISTENED IN SYDNEY HARBOUR
A new expedition ship built by Aurora Expeditions, the Douglas Mawson, was christened this week at Circular Quay. The ship's godmother is Antarctic explorer Douglas Mawson’s great-granddaughter Emma McEwin. The ceremony is understood to be the first time that a new-build cruise ship has been named in Australian waters.
TWEED TAKES TOURISM SERVICES IN-HOUSE
Tweed Shire Council will move to an internal model of tourism management in October 2026. Since 2018, external contractor DR Tourism has delivered services for The Tweed Tourism Company. Mayor Chris Cherry said: "This decision is not about [TR Tourism's] performance but instead signals Council’s desire to take a greater leadership role in shaping the sustainable future of tourism in the Tweed.”
KEY FY25 RESULTS FOR
ICC SYDNEY
Key highlights from ICC Sydney's Annual Performance Review for the 2024-25 financial year show that the venue delivered 546 core events, including 136 entertainment events, 17 international events, 88 national events, 61 exhibitions and 244 single day local events. It drew 1.5 million attendees, up from 1.2 million in FY24, and drove 1.3 million hotel room nights, up from 1.2 million in FY24. Delegate expenditure was $746 million.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
ICC SYDNEY THEATRE BECOMES TIKTOK ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE: The partnership will showcase the venue to TikTok's more than one billion users as a world-leading destination for conventions, entertainment and ticketed experiences. Learn more
MOUNT PLEASANT JOINS ULTIMATE WINERY EXPERIENCES AUSTRALIA: The Hunter Valley winery has been included in the hand-selected wine tourism collective. Learn more
WINNERS OF FIRST-EVER NSW MUSIC PRIZE: Three acts have received a career boost after being awarded the NSW Government's inaugural NSW Music Prize. Learn more
VENUES NSW BOARD APPOINTMENTS: Former NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson and media executive Edwina McCann will join the board for three-year terms. Learn more
CODY SIMPSON PROMOTES BEACH SAFETY: Qantas and Surf Life Saving Australia have enlisted the Australian swimming champion to encourage Australians to complete their Beach Passport ahead of the peak summer season. Learn more
SYDNEY METRO WEST LINE TUNNELLING COMPLETE: Westmead will be linked to Parramatta in a two-minute trip and the Sydney CBD in 22 minutes when Metro West opens in 2032. Learn more
$20 MILLION TO GROW STATE’S AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY: The NSW Government's Aquaculture Industry Development Program aims to strengthen and expand the seafood industry’s economic contribution to the state. 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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