Insights - 20 March 2026
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GIG TRAILS ANNOUNCED FOR GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS
Great Southern Nights Gig Trails is returning to Newcastle, taking over new areas in Chippendale and Newtown/Enmore and debuting in Port Kembla.
Patrons will be able to wander from venue to venue, interact with street performers, buskers and enjoy pop-up performers, providing an immersive festival-like experience.
Rooftops and laneways will offer surprise performances and intimate acoustic sets, while small businesses will provide interactive workshops, art exhibitions and creative opportunities.
Great Southern Nights will bring live music to venues across the state from 1-17 May 2026. The initiative will be delivered by Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
REGIONAL EVENT FUND 2026-27 OPENS
The NSW Government is backing regional investment with $1.5 million available for events through the Regional Event Fund 2026/27.
Event organisers can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help deliver events that attract visitors, drive overnight stays and boost local economies.
Managed by Destination NSW, the Regional Event Fund forms part of the NSW Government’s plan to grow the visitor economy by supporting events that reflect local culture and create authentic experiences that boost local businesses.
DESTINATION NSW FOCUSES ON HIGH-VALUE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Destination NSW hosted a Focus On NSW event this week, highlighting the state’s visitor experiences to buyers from high-value markets including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, United States, Canada and New Zealand.
Held at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, the event attracted 30 travel wholesalers and retail agents, alongside 30 NSW businesses and tourism groups.
NSW visitor experiences, accommodation and destinations were showcased through an appointment-based workshop, a networking function and a familiarisation program in Sydney and regional NSW.
G FLIP AND MATILDAS JOIN ASIAN CUP FINAL
The Matildas have booked their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ tournament decider, setting the stage for a blockbuster Closing Ceremony and Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March. G Flip will headline the pre-match entertainment, with the tournament proudly supported by Destination NSW.
NSW NUMBER ONE FOR JANUARY ARRIVALS
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows there were 716,680 short-term visitor arrivals to Australia in January 2026, only two per cent lower than in January 2019. NSW recorded the most arrivals (272,980). The top three source countries for NSW were the United States, United Kingdom and China.
ONE MILLION VISITORS FOR SYDNEY FISH MARKET
The new Sydney Fish Market has reeled in more than one million visitors since opening less than two months ago. TIME magazine has also named it one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2026 cementing the site as one of Sydney's most iconic destinations and a must-visit experience for visitors and locals alike.
NEW CARAVAN AND CAMPING CAMPAIGN
Destination NSW has launched a new campaign in partnership with the Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW to boost year-round visitation to the state’s 400 holiday parks. The month-long 'Feel More, Live More' campaign is driving awareness of experiences on offer in autumn, winter and spring.
GREEN AND GOLD SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
Tourism Australia has revealed a new sustainable tourism initiative – the Green and Gold Promise - at the annual Destination Australia conference, urging businesses and visitors to adopt responsible travel practices to protect Australia as a world-class destination for generations to come.
TASKFORCE FOR GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY
The NSW Government has established the Great Western Highway Community Coordination Taskforce. As part of the initiative, Destination NSW is working with Destination Central West, Blue Mountains Tourism and local councils to understand the challenges facing tourism operators and assistance required.
NATION-LEADING HOTEL OCCUPANCY FOR SYDNEY
CBRE has released its 2026 Hotel Overview and Outlook report, which shows Sydney recorded the highest occupancy in the country in 2025, with the hotel market benefiting from the city's gateway status, diverse events calendar and major project investment.
NEW DATA AFTER DARK REPORT
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has published its quarterly Data After Dark report. The December 2025 report examines the performance of the hotel market as a barometer of visitor demand and broader night-time economic conditions.
WSI WINS PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Western Sydney International Airport's terminal and runway have won Project of the Year at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue's 2026 Boomtown! Project of the Year Awards. Other winners included Bradfield City's First Building (Outstanding Sustainability Project) and Novotel Sydney Cabramatta (Outstanding Tourism Project).
RUN/WALK EVENT AT WSI SELLS OUT
The Runway Run/Walk event at Western Sydney International Airport has sold out, with 20,000 entrants joining the starting line on 26 April 2026. The Runway Run/Walk will give people access to the airport's 3.7km runway before it welcomes passengers and planes later this year. Registrations support Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.
VISITOR ECONOMY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
NSW FUEL SECURITY ROUNDTABLE: More than 50 industry and government leaders convened this week to share expertise and discuss fuel security challenges. Learn more
NEW SUSTAINABLE FUEL RESEARCH: Research commissioned by Sydney Airport shows strong public support for building a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry. Learn more
DARLING HARBOUR LIVE SITE FOR AFC WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP AUSTRALIA 2026™ FINAL: Australia will play Japan in the tournament's Final on 21 March 2026, with fans able experience the atmosphere as the nation rallies behind the Matildas. Learn more
QUARTERLY TOURISM LABOUR STATISTICS: Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 11 out of 12 tourism industries recorded an increase in jobs in the December quarter 2025. The largest increase was in accommodation (3.6 per cent). Learn more
MORE LIVE PERFORMANCES ON OFFER ACROSS NSW: 39 venues will share in $2.89 million of funding to support the growth of live entertainment under the second round of the NSW Government’s Live Performance Venue Grant Program. Learn more
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL ART SERIES 2026–27: The first major exhibition in Australia by French artist Philippe Parreno will open at MCA Australia on 21 November, proudly supported by Destination NSW. Learn more
THE AUSTRALIAN NAMES 10 HOTTEST NSW RESTAURANTS: The list ranges from The Belongil in Byron Bay to Vineria Luisa in Enmore. Learn more
HILTON ANNOUNCES MOTTO HOTEL FOR SYDNEY: Located on York Street, the hotel will occupy the former Bank of China headquarters. Learn more
MINOR HOTELS EXPANDS NSW PRESENCE: Minor will introduce its Avani brand to Wollongong, alongside new NH Collection and NH Hotels properties in Sydney. Learn more
NAVY CELEBRATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR: The Royal Australian Navy will host an International Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour on 21 March 2026 to commemorate 125 years of Australia’s naval service. Learn more
FUNDING SECURED FOR MOONEE BEACH FOOTBRIDGE: The NSW Government will fund construction of a new footbridge to restore access for locals and visitors to the Coffs Coast destination. 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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