Insights -11 April 2025
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EASTER TRAVEL BONANZA FOR NSW
One in four Australians are planning on taking an extra three days of leave between Easter Monday and Anzac Day to have a 'super break' in April, providing a major boost to the visitor economy.
According to an NRMA survey, 26 per cent of people intend to take the three days off mid-week to maximise the holiday period, which coincides with the autumn school break.
Among those surveyed, 54 per cent will take a holiday in NSW, while 77 per cent of domestic travellers will embark on road trips.
Expedia and Wotif's April Travel Outlook report has forecast that April will be the most popular holiday period of the year, with more than a third of Australians (38 per cent) planning to travel during the month.
NSW dominated Wotif's Top 10 Domestic Destinations, with Newcastle, Port Stephens, Jervis Bay, Byron Bay, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour and Wollongong all featuring on the list.
A survey by the Australian Retailers Association in collaboration with Roy Morgan has also indicated travel will be one of the major drivers of retail spending for Easter. The research has projected 4.55 million people - 100,000 more Australians than last year - will use the Easter break for travel this year, with an estimated expenditure of $11.1 billion.
Learn more here.
Sydney Airport is preparing for a bustling Easter and school holiday period, with 2.5 million passengers expected to travel through its terminals from 9-29 April 2025.
On the domestic front, 1.5 million passengers are expected to pass through the T2 and T3 domestic terminals, up more than three per cent on 2024.
One million passengers will pass through the T1 international terminal, making this the busiest Easter school holiday period since 2019 and a nine per cent increase on the same period in 2024.
Learn more here.
Research from the Tourism & Transport Forum has found 71 per cent of Australians are planning a getaway between March and May, with 35 per cent intending to travel within their own state and 22 per cent holidaying interstate.
The most popular state for Australians to visit during April will be NSW (29 per cent), while Sydney will be the most popular city (11 per cent). The most prolific travellers will be 25–44-year-olds, with 83 per cent planning a trip.
GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS SPARKS LIVE MUSIC REVIVAL
The 2025 edition of Great Southern Nights saw more than 85,000 fans fill 185 venues across NSW to celebrate the state’s live music culture.
Great Southern Nights gigs took place in Sydney, Western Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast region, along with Bathurst, Broken Hill, Byron Bay, the Hunter Valley, Orange, Tamworth and Tilba.
Delivered by Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), the initiative also boosted local businesses including accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes.
VIVID FOOD DELIVERS DREAMY EVENTS
Vivid Sydney's 2025 food program will pay homage to 1950s diners with Neon Dreams in Darling Harbour.
American diner staples will be reimagined by vegan chef Shannon Martinez and served alongside a roller-skating rink.
A 23-night program of events has also been announced for Surry Hills, featuring two street parties: Hollywood Dreaming: A Taste of HQ and Hollywood Dreaming: Foy Lane Lights Up.
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW. The festival will take place from 23 May to 14 June 2025, with the theme of 'Vivid Sydney, Dream'.
SPORT TOURISM SCORES WITH TRAVELLERS
Expedia Group’s latest research has revealed sport tourism now represents 10 per cent of global tourism spending and is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032. The data shows 44 per cent of fans travelled internationally for their last sporting event, jumping to 56 per cent among travellers aged 16-34.
CONTENT LIBRARY UPGRADE
The Destination NSW Content Library has been upgraded to support visitor economy stakeholders in promoting destinations and visitor experiences across the state. The refreshed website provides an improved user experience and more than 50,000 images, videos and editorial content pieces.
WESTERN SYDNEY'S FUTURE IN FOCUS
Opportunities to drive economic growth in Western Sydney were explored at the Daily Telegraph’s Future Western Sydney event. Held at Blacktown Workers Club on 4 April 2025, Future Western Sydney explored the transformational impact of Western Sydney International Airport and the infrastructure investment reshaping the region.
NSW INSPIRES QANTAS AIRCRAFT NAMES
The first aircraft in Qantas’ domestic fleet renewal program are due to arrive in Australia this month, with two of them named after NSW destinations. Qantas staff members nominated names for the new Airbus A321XLR fleet, based around the theme 'Walks, Rivers & Roads', with 'Murray River' and 'Seven Peaks Walk’ chosen from among the suggestions.
SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW RETURNS
The 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show has returned to Sydney Olympic Park from 11–22 April, supported proudly by Destination NSW. Australia’s biggest annual ticketed event draws an average of 854,000 people each year, with 22 per cent of attendees from regional NSW. The Easter Show and associated activities of the Royal Agriculture Society generate more than $617 million for the NSW economy each year.
SXSW SYDNEY 2025 CONFERENCE LINE UP
SXSW Sydney has announced the first 40 speakers for its 2025 Conference. The event will explore topics including advancements in AI, sustainability, quantum technologies and cybersecurity. Speakers include GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan, Grattan Institute CEO Aruna Sathanapally and Professor of Journalism Peter Greste. Supported proudly by Destination NSW, SXSW Sydney will be held from 13-19 October.
NSW RECORDS HIGHEST TOURISM CONSUMPTION
Tourism Research Australia has released its 2023–24 State Tourism Satellite Account, which reports on the economic contribution of tourism across the country. NSW recorded Australia's highest level of tourism consumption, which was worth $48.2 billion to the state's economy (up 13 per cent on 2022-23 and up 26 per cent on 2018-19).
HAY ST MARKET OFFICIALLY OPENS
Hay St Market at Paddy's Markets has been officially opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier Chris Minns and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper. The development brings together more than 48 fresh produce, food, beverage and specialty retailers. Located in Haymarket, Sydney, Paddy's Markets welcomes more than five million people annually.
WORKSHOPS: EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Destination NSW has opened registrations for its 2025 Experience Development workshops in Maitland (13 May), Lismore (15 May), Wollongong (21 May), Coonamble (3 June) and Orange (5 June). The free workshops, delivered under the NSW First Program, support businesses to create new experiences or refine existing ones.
2025 BUSINESS EVENTS NSW SHOWCASE
Destination NSW is seeking expressions of interest to exhibit at the 2025 Business Events NSW Showcase. The event will be held in Sydney on 25 June and will provide an opportunity for regional NSW venues, destinations, suppliers, accommodation operators and experience providers to showcase their services to conference and group travel planners.
TWEED TO HOST LGNSW CONFERENCE
The 2025 Destination and Visitor Economy Conference will be held from 26-28 May in the Tweed, with Destination NSW as the strategic sponsor. Speakers will include the NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues, Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison and former Executive Director of Lonely Planet Gus Balbontin. The Top Tourism Town Awards will also be presented during the conference.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Sydney's leading cultural institutions are presenting creative activities, workshops, and exhibitions for children and families during the autumn school holidays. They include the Sydney Opera House Kids' Program, the Powerhouse Autumn School Holidays program and free art workshops at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Additionally, all Museums of History NSW sites will offer free entry throughout the school holidays.
RECORD VIEWERS FOR SYDNEY SAIL GP
The 2025 KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney delivered SailGP’s largest-ever dedicated global TV audience, reaching 21.1 million viewers and showcasing the city to the world. Thousands of fans also watched the event from the harbour foreshore and a unique spectator area on Shark Island. Sail GP was supported proudly by Destination NSW.
NSW PORTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT SEATRADE
NSW ports and shore excursions have been showcased at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025. Destination NSW and Port Authority of NSW attended the cruise industry's leading annual business-to-business event in Miami, Florida from 7-10 April. More than 10,000 registered attendees took part in the conference and trade show from 120 countries.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
FUNDING FOR NSW SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS: The NSW Government has announced its 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Program recipients. Learn more
THE IMPERIAL HOTEL LISTED ON THE NSW STATE HERITAGE REGISTER: The LGBTQIA+ landmark in Erskineville has been recognised for its cultural and historical significance. Learn more
TCS SYDNEY MARATHON EXPANDS TO FULL WEEKEND OF RUNNING: The event, supported proudly by Destination NSW, is extending its program in response to surging demand. Learn more
GARDENS OF STONE VISITOR INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN: The finalised plan can be viewed on the NSW Government's Environment and Heritage website. Learn more
BOWRAL CLASSIC RETURNS IN 2025: The premier cycling event will be held in the Southern Highlands on 19 October 2025, supported proudly by Destination NSW. 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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