Insights - 26 June 2026
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NEW ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE FOR NSW
Newcastle will soon be home to a new world-class arena with the NSW Government committing $14 million to build a 12,000-person capacity entertainment centre in the city.
Newcastle Arena will be located next to McDonald Jones Stadium to create a dedicated live sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct.
Following the opening of Newcastle International Airport, Newcastle is rapidly transforming into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, driving local business and showcasing the Hunter to the world.
TOURISM INDUSTRY BACKS FUEL RELIEF EXTENSION
The tourism industry has welcomed the Australian Government's decision to extend fuel excise relief, saying it will support regional tourism operators and give people more confidence to plan winter travel.
Excise relief will continue during July, making petrol and diesel 16 cents per litre cheaper and saving Australians around $11 per tank.
BUSINESSES URGED TO GET BEHIND THE SOCCEROOS
Business Sydney has urged employers across Greater Sydney to bring their teams together today and get behind the Socceroos—and the visitor economy—by hosting workplace viewing events or supporting local restaurants, pubs, clubs, casinos and cafes screening the FIFA World Cup 2026™ match.
Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones joined Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou, chef Luke Mangan OAM, former Socceroos Captain Paul Wade OAM and Sydney Area Commander Superintendent Paul Dunstan to encourage Sydneysiders to show their support for the green and gold.
DESTINATION NSW WINS REPORTING AWARDS
Destination NSW's Annual Report 2024-25 won a Silver Award in the Public Administration category and a Special Award for Online Reporting at the 2026 Australasian Reporting Awards. The report provides a summary of the agency’s activities and performance in the financial year ending 30 June 2025, showing how public resources were applied. View the Annual Report here.
SUPPORT FOR BELLINGEN BUSINESSES
The NSW Government is backing Bellingen Shire with a $20,000 grant to support communities impacted by the closure of Waterfall Way following storm damage. The grant includes $15,000 to drive visitor economy activity and $5000 for community activities, helping the region bounce back after road closures affected the tourism and agricultural route between Bellingen and Dorrigo.
2026 NSW TOP TOUR GUIDE FINALISTS
NSW Tourism Association has announced the finalists for the 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide Awards. The awards program celebrates the professionalism, passion and expertise of tour guides across the state and acknowledges the critical role they play in shaping memorable visitor experiences.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR PROGRAM
The National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) will transform The Cutaway at Barangaroo into a celebration of art, culture and community from 3–5 July 2026. Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the NIAF will bring together more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
FUNDING BOOST FOR NATIONAL PARKS
The NSW Government has announced $130 million in funding to help renew ageing infrastructure, upgrade facilities and improve accessibility in NSW national parks. The state has more than 900 parks and reserves, which hosted a record 65.6 million visits last year.
ATEC MEETING PLACE 2026 REGISTRATIONS OPEN
ATEC Meeting Place 2026 will be held in Hobart from 26-28 October. Early bird registrations are open for the event, which will offer business-to-business trade engagement appointments, a conference program, buyer and supplier forums and networking opportunities.
NSW TRIUMPHS AT HOTEL AND TRAVEL AWARDS
Capella Sydney has been awarded 2026 Hotel of the Year in the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards. Byron Bay’s Hotel Marvell won Best Boutique Hotel, while Flaminia—located in Sydney's Pullman Quay Grand—won Best Hotel Dining.
GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY UPDATE
Construction will begin on the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass next month, with the road expected to reopen in the second quarter of 2027. The NSW Government has also announced an expanded package of support for affected businesses.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
TOURISM AUSTRALIA INDUSTRY BRIEFINGS 2026: Managing Director Robin Mack and the Tourism Australia team will provide updates on current trends, market insights and marketing activity during a briefing in Sydney on 20 August. Register here
REGISTER FOR AIRPORT CITY SUMMIT: Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue will host the summit at Warwick Farm on 3 July 2026, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as keynote speaker. Learn more
$600 MILLION TO FAST-TRACK WESTERN SYDNEY ROAD UPGRADES: The NSW Government is providing an additional $300 million in upgrades to Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue, with the investment matched by the Australian Government. Learn more
ARDOUR HOTEL OPENS IN BLUE MOUNTAINS: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa has marked the start of a new chapter in its history, officially unveiling its rebrand to Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains. Learn more
ASIA-PACIFIC TRAVELLERS FAVOUR AUSTRALIA: Visa has released key findings from its 2026 Global Travel Intentions study. Learn more
FREE CIRCULAR ECONOMY WEBINAR: Join Restaurant & Catering Australia and Edge Impact on 29 July 2026 for a webinar introducing four Circular Economy Toolkits built specifically for hospitality businesses. 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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