Sunday, 28 June 2026

NSW Tourism Industry's Biggest Gathering Yet Set for ICC Sydney in 2026

New South Wales' tourism and visitor economy sectors will come together for an unprecedented day of collaboration, innovation and celebration when the NSW Visitor Economy Forum and the NSW Tourism Awards unite for the first time at ICC Sydney on 9 November 2026.

The landmark event is expected to become the state's premier tourism industry gathering, bringing together hundreds of tourism operators, government representatives, destination managers, hospitality professionals and industry leaders from across metropolitan and regional New South Wales.

By combining two of the industry's most influential events into a single experience, organisers aim to create new opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and industry recognition while supporting the continued growth of the state's visitor economy.

A Powerful New Platform for Tourism Growth

Hosted by Destination NSW, the NSW Visitor Economy Forum 2026 will be free to attend and open to stakeholders from every corner of the tourism sector.

The forum will provide valuable insights into emerging travel trends, market opportunities, visitor expectations and the strategic priorities shaping the future of tourism in New South Wales.

As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, industry collaboration has never been more important. The forum is expected to offer practical discussions and forward-thinking ideas that will help businesses, destinations and tourism organisations remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic global marketplace.

Celebrating Excellence Through the NSW Tourism Awards

Following the daytime forum, the NSW Tourism Awards will honour outstanding achievements across the state's tourism industry.

Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, the awards have recognised excellence, innovation, professionalism and business leadership for more than four decades.

The awards program showcases the best tourism experiences, operators, attractions, accommodation providers and destinations across New South Wales, highlighting the people and businesses helping drive the state's reputation as one of Australia's leading visitor destinations.

Winning or being recognised as a finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards is widely regarded as one of the industry's highest achievements.

Supporting the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy

The combined event aligns closely with the ambitious goals of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy, which aims to grow visitor expenditure to $91 billion over the next decade.

Achieving this target will require strong partnerships between industry, government and destination organisations, making events such as the NSW Visitor Economy Forum increasingly important.

The tourism industry remains a major economic contributor across New South Wales, supporting thousands of businesses and jobs throughout regional communities and urban centres.

By bringing together stakeholders from across the sector, the forum will help strengthen industry connections while encouraging innovative approaches to sustainable tourism growth.

Regional and Metropolitan Tourism United

One of the key strengths of the combined event will be its ability to connect tourism operators from every part of the state.

From regional attractions and nature-based experiences to major city hotels, cultural institutions and event organisers, the forum and awards will provide a valuable opportunity for businesses to exchange ideas and learn from industry leaders.

The gathering is expected to foster collaboration between destinations while highlighting the diversity and strength of New South Wales' tourism offerings.

For many operators, the event will provide access to industry insights, networking opportunities and professional development that can directly benefit their businesses and local communities.

A Day of Learning, Networking and Recognition

The decision to host both events at ICC Sydney reflects a shared commitment to creating a stronger, more connected tourism industry.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a full day of industry discussions, trend forecasting and professional networking before joining colleagues and peers for an evening dedicated to recognising excellence across the visitor economy.

The combination of education, collaboration and celebration is expected to make the event one of the most influential tourism industry gatherings ever held in New South Wales.

Looking Ahead to a Stronger Tourism Future

As tourism businesses continue adapting to changing traveller expectations, emerging technologies and evolving global markets, opportunities to connect and collaborate remain essential.

The NSW Visitor Economy Forum and NSW Tourism Awards will provide a platform for industry leaders to share ideas, celebrate success and work together towards a resilient, innovative and sustainable future.

For tourism operators, destinations and industry professionals, 9 November 2026 promises to be a date of significant importance on the Australian tourism calendar.

NSW Visitor Economy Forum and NSW Tourism Awards

Date: 9 November 2026
Venue: ICC Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales
NSW Tourism Awards Nominations Close: 12 June 2026

Destination NSW
Website: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au
Email: pressoffice@dnsw.com.au

NSW Tourism Association
Website: https://www.nswtourismassociation.com.au

ICC Sydney
Website: https://www.iccsydney.com.au

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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