Managing Seasonality in Tourism & Hospitality - Ulladulla
2024-03-21 08:30 - 12:30 UTC | Ulladulla Civic Centre, 81B Princes Highway, Ulladulla, NSW, Australia
Seasonal demand. It’s one of the greatest challenges for any business, particularly for tourism and hospitality operators. Both feasts and famines have their issues. Either your business can’t keep up with demand, or there’s not enough work to pay the bills and keep your staff employed.
Almost every business experiences seasonal fluctuation in sales and cash flow. Some fluctuations are predictable, certain holidays, popular holiday periods or weather seasons. But others, like a crisis that suddenly cuts sales, are unpredictable. The key is knowing how to manage these seasonal cycles and implement practices to reduce the impact.
The Centre of Excellence is conducting a series of workshops that will focus on key factors to assist your business to better prepare for the peaks and troughs. These include:

Marketing strategies
Online presence
Brand and collateral
Social media campaigns
Managing employees
Storytelling
Diversification, off peak and mid-week
Collaboration and networking

Presenters

The workshops will be presented by local visitor economy specialists Catherine Shields and Kate Mather, both are well-known across the region and have extensive industry experience.
The workshop content will provide practical advice and strategies that you will be able to apply directly to your own business.
Registration begins at 8:30am. Morning tea and a light lunch will be served.
CLICK TO REGISTER
For more information, download the workshop flyer.

Managing Seasonality in Tourism & Hospitality - Nowra
2024-03-22 08:30 - 12:30 UTC | Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, 42 Bridge Road, Nowra, NSW, 2541

Business Events NSW Showcase
2024-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Collider, 477 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Destination NSW is inviting regional NSW stakeholders to deliver immersive and sensory experiences at its upcoming Business Events NSW Showcase.
Partnering with Destination NSW at the event is an exciting opportunity to generate business event leads and raise buyer consideration for products, services or regions.
The showcase will be held at Sydney’s Collider on 15 May 2024 and will connect regional NSW businesses with Sydney-based corporate, association, government and professional conference organisation buyers.
It will also highlight Destination NSW’s fresh approach to growing the business events sector in regional NSW. Business Events NSW has new ‘Corporate events that feel anything but’ messaging that aligns to the ‘Feel New’ visitor brand and positions regional NSW as the meetings and events destination for businesses who seek unique, tailor-made experiences that spark a genuine connection among delegates.
There are a range of different partnership opportunities available for the Business Events NSW Showcase, each with specific selection criteria and inclusions.

Employers - Plan for Tomorrow webinar
2024-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
Choose Tourism NSW will present a webinar on how you
can future proof your business, with customised training
for the next generation of workers.
Date: Thursday 23 May 2024
Time: 10 am – 11 am
The webinar will be led by experts who will provide
practical advice on training opportunities, to support
employers and share tips on attracting, developing and
retaining staff. This will include case studies on how
regional businesses have had success in working with
their local schools to attract trainees.

Visitor Economy Symposium 2024
2024-06-04 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, 7 Boronia Street, Bowral, NSW
We are excited to announce the DSSS Visitor Economy Symposium is returning in 2024!
Being held on Tuesday 4th June at Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, the theme for the day will be ‘Navigating Challenging Times’.
In these turbulent times for businesses, the DSSS Visitor Economy Symposium is designed with your real-world challenges in mind. We will be focusing on delivering you tangible, practical outcomes that you can implement to support your business.
Along with developing a toolbox full of new tips and tricks, you’ll also be able to connect with fellow business owners and industry experts who understand the journey you’re on.
Keep an eye out for updates on our jam-packed workshop-style program including the speakers we’ve lined up – pop the 4th of June in your diary, we look forward to seeing you!

Introduction to the NSW Tourism Awards webinar
2024-06-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-19 13:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
Unlock Your Potential at the NSW Tourism Awards
Join us for an exciting journey at the NSW Tourism Awards, where we celebrate excellence and innovation in the tourism industry. Whether you’re a seasoned business or a new entrant, these awards offer a unique opportunity to showcase your achievements and elevate your profile in the tourism sector. To enhance your experience and chances of success, we are offering two stages of comprehensive webinars designed exclusively for our entrants.
Stage 1: Introduction to the Awards Kickstart your journey with a choice of two introductory webinars. These sessions are perfect for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the NSW Tourism Awards process and the significant benefits of participation. Whether you’re exploring what makes an impactful entry or how the awards can boost your business, these webinars will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your entry.
11th June – 2pm – 3pm
Register here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoceihrjovGtJst5GH8jgc1TQ53KAGnY4i
19th June – 1pm – 2pm
Register here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckd-yorjwoEtRqpM74GEgO3excuYffDTkX
Stage 2: Detailed Submission Guidance For entrants committed to crafting a winning submission, join our series of detailed webinars. Each session is dedicated to a specific section of the submission process, allowing you to dive deep into what judges are looking for and how to best represent your business. Choose to attend one or follow all sessions to maximise your understanding and preparation. Plus, all registered participants will receive recordings of each webinar, ensuring you can revisit the expert advice and tips at your convenience.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a prestigious community of tourism leaders. Register today and start your path to recognition and success!
Register for one or all here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsceisrT0pHteVRDM2GJ6AQQuy6EZxCGyE

Being an Employer of Choice - Professional Development Day in Wollongong
2024-06-28 09:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
The Choose Tourism NSW Program has scheduled seven one-day seminars for tourism and hospitality operators on how to position your business as an employer of choice.
Achieving recognition as an “employer of choice” puts you in the driver’s seat for recruiting and retaining the best people. Attracting the best and the brightest from within your region or attracting them to move to your region is challenging. It is not a status that is easily attained or maintained, it requires a thoughtful and strategic approach that begins with understanding what people want.
This full day program will include presentations from expert speakers and local operators who will speak on what strategies can be adopted to retain employees and to onboard new recruits and the innovative approaches that you can implement to achieve a high performing team.
Click here to download the event flyer
Image credit: Destination NSW

Agritourism Summit
2024-08-29 09:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Peppers Manor House, Kater Road, Sutton Forest, NSW, 2577, Australia
Australia’s first Agritourism Summit is set to take place on 29 August 2024 in the Southern Highlands of NSW. The Summit provides you with a place to connect with like-minded farmers with an interest in, or who are currently offering visitor experiences on their farm. The Summit will provide practical and innovative ideas around Agritourism in Australia and how to collaborate with others in this space.
Learn from trailblazer farmers in this space who will share their tips and learnings from their own journeys. We will also deep dive into what visitor are seeking and how to make this work within your existing farm operations.
If you’re a business owner involved in various sectors of agriculture and livestock and seeking to diversify operations by integrating an agritourism element, the Summit offers valuable insights and networking opportunities for you.
Alternatively, if you’re an established agritourism provider in Australia looking to enrich or expand your existing offering, establish partnerships, or learn best practice from others, the Agritourism Summit is for you.
For those travelling from afar, the Summit provides you with the opportunity to explore the Southern Highlands with an overnight night or weekend stays and also enjoy the AgriShow taking place directly after the Summit at the Moss Vale showgrounds August 30 and 31.
During this one-day Agritourism Summit, we’re committed to driving innovation and promoting sustainable practices that will shape the future of farming and the visitor experience. Hear from industry leaders and connect with like-minded professionals to grow your business.
Check out the program or book your Early bird tickets – $195/person + GST

NSW Visitor Economy Forum
2024-10-03 | ICC Sydney, NSW
The NSW Visitor Economy Forum is returning for 2024, with the full-day event to take place on 3 October at the ICC Sydney.
Stakeholders will have an opportunity to come together, share insights and hear from industry experts to further understand what will shape the year ahead and drive growth in the NSW visitor economy.
Those who attended the event in 2023 heard from representatives from Google, McCrindle, Tourism Australia and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, alongside industry leaders in events, wellness travel, culinary experiences and more.
The forum is free to attend and Destination NSW invites all visitor economy stakeholders including operators, trade partners, industry representatives and government colleagues to register.
Register here

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Wollongong
2024-11-25 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | City Diggers, 82 Church St, Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
DSSS is excited to partner with Raising the Bar Foundation on the roll out of the Healthier Hospitality program.
Healthier Hospitality provides the knowledge, tools, and resources to help staff recognise signs of mental illness, manage stress, and communicate better about mental health issues. By addressing these challenges head-on, we not only improve the wellbeing of employees but also improve overall workplace productivity and culture.
The program will also help businesses become compliant with the Code of Practice regarding Psychosocial hazards set by SafeWork NSW.
If you or your staff work in hospitality, this workshop is for you!
What your staff will take away

The knowledge to identify signs and symptoms of mental illness early
Practical tools for discussing mental health issues
Strategies to create safer, healthier work conditions, reducing psychosocial risks and preventing workplace injuries
Effective stress management techniques
Practices that enhance personal wellbeing
Effective control strategies to identify and address psychosocial risks in the workplace

Register here

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Shellharbour
2024-11-25 11:30 - 13:00 UTC | Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Ave, Shellharbour, NSW, 2529, Australia

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Kiama
2024-11-25 14:30 - 16:00 UTC | Kiama Leagues Club, 109 Terralong St, Kiama, NSW, 2533, Australia

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Nowra
2024-11-26 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | The Ex Servos, 157 Junction St, Nowra, NSW, 2541, Australia

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Huskisson
2024-11-26 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | The Country Club St Georges Basin, 11 Paradise Beach Rd, Sanctuary Point, NSW, 2540x, Australia

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Sussex Inlet
2024-11-26 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | Sussex Inlet Neighbourhood Centre, 170-172 Jacobs Dr, Sussex Inlet, NSW, 2540, Australia

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Ulladulla
2024-11-27 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | Ulladulla Civic Centre, 81B Princes Highway, Ulladulla, NSW, Australia

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Moss Vale
2024-11-27 13:30 - 15:00 UTC | Moss Vale Services Club, Yarrawa St, Moss Vale, NSW, 2577, Australia

Healthier Hospitality Workshop - Bowral
2024-11-27 16:30 - 18:00 UTC | Mittagong RSL Club, Bessemer Street, Mittagong, NSW, 2575

Visitor Economy Symposium 2025
2025-05-14 09:30 - 17:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Pavilion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama, NSW, 2533, Australia
We are excited to announce the DSSS Visitor Economy Symposium is returning in 2025!
Being held on Wednesday 14th May at The Pavilion Kiama, the theme for the day will be ‘People, Productivity & Profit’.
At the heart of every successful visitor economy business are the people who drive it forward. This year’s Symposium will provide insights and strategies to help you build a strong, motivated team, enhance productivity, and maximise profitability. Through engaging discussions and expert-led sessions, we’ll explore practical ways to optimise operations, improve efficiency, and create a thriving, sustainable business.
We’re also thrilled to be partnering with Business Illawarra to deliver one of the afternoon’s standout sessions: a deep dive into the power of media with Kathy Sharpe, Editor, Illawarra Mercury, and Coralie McCarthy, Director, Business Illawarra. This dynamic session will unpack:
✨ What makes a great story (from the editor’s desk)
✨ How to pitch your business to media with confidence
✨ Why local stories matter, and how to make yours heard
In addition to gaining actionable strategies, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded industry colleagues and business owners, sharing experiences, sparking ideas, and strengthening your network.
But don’t just take our word for it, here are a few testimonials from operators who joined us at last year’s event:
“The operator pitch was a great addition, reminded me to refine how I talk about my own role.”
“The event was organised and in detail – it kept to the plan. The workbook was great.”
“Jan Hutton’s presentation on ADTW was very helpful, complimented by Jenny Gerada’s practical demonstration of how DNSW use the ADTW listings in their marketing of regions and experiences. The deep dive session (1) with the operator panel also provided helpful and practical insights. Most inspirational was the accessibility & inclusivity.”
“High calibre of speakers who were equally motivating. Networking with the right people. Meeting board members, the extended team is always how it should be done. This was one of the best events I have attended, which was beneficial for my business. Well done team DSSS.”
Check out the program here!
We can’t wait to see you all on Wednesday 14 May at The Pavilion Kiama.

Experience Development Workshop - Shellharbour
2025-05-21
Destination NSW is presenting a series of Experience Development workshops for visitor economy businesses around NSW in 2025.
Delivered under the capability-focused NSW First Program, these free, full-day workshops are designed to assist businesses including tour, attraction and accommodation providers to create and refine visitor experiences for different types of travellers.
Join a workshop and get tips and insights on:

The foundations of great visitor experiences
Understanding different kinds of visitors
Creating bookable experiences, and refining existing experiences, to meet your visitor’s needs
Where to find tools, resources and support.

Registrations open soon!

Accessible and Inclusive Webinar Series - Disability Inclusion in the Tourism Industry
2025-06-16 10:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Join Destination NSW for this free webinar series designed to give you practical tools and insights to help make your business more accessible and inclusive. Delivered by Destination NSW in partnership with Get Skilled Access (founded by Paralympian and disability advocate Dylan Alcott AO) as part of the NSW First Program.
Learn how to:

Create spaces and experiences that feel welcoming to everyone
Tips for delivering inclusive customer service
Ways to make your digital content and marketing more accessible
Understand how inclusion benefits all your customers

You’re welcome to join all four webinars or just the sessions that interest you. Each session will run from 10:30am – 11:30am, including Q&A.
16 June – Disability Inclusion in the Tourism Industry
18 June – Inclusive Customer Service
23 June - Creating Accessible Digital Content
25 June – Inclusive Marketing and Communications
For more information on these sessions please click here. This webinar is presented by Destination NSW as part of the NSW First Program, designed to assist visitor economy businesses to develop, promote and sell products and experiences.
Please read the Destination NSW Terms and Conditions.

Accessible and Inclusive Webinar Series - Inclusive Customer Service
2025-06-18 10:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Melbourne)

Accessible and Inclusive Webinar Series - Creating Accessible Digital Content
2025-06-23 10:30 - 11:30 UTC

Accessible and Inclusive Webinar Series - Inclusive Marketing and Communications
2025-06-25 10:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Melbourne)

Webinar: Creating nature-based experiences
2025-07-28 10:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
Nature-based travel is about unforgettable, sustainable experiences that connect visitors with the natural environment, whether on land or in the water. By blending adventure with care for the environment, experience providers can attract a growing market of conscious, experience-driven visitors.
Join Destination NSW and guest speakers from Australia By Nature, CoastXP and Navigate Expeditions to explore opportunities for NSW visitor attraction, accommodation and tour and activity providers to craft nature-based experiences.
Photo credit: Destination NSW

Webinar: Creating unforgettable cruise shore experiences
2025-08-05 10:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
The cruise industry plays an important role in the NSW visitor economy. Cruise visitors are looking for great cruise shore experiences whether they’re exploring iconic attractions, discovering natural wonders or immersing themselves in local culture.
Join Destination NSW and cruise industry experts to find out how you can create, enhance and deliver authentic cruise shore experiences and how to attract visitors before and after their cruise.
This free webinar will suit all visitor economy businesses, including tours, activities, visitor attractions and accommodation providers that have an interest in the cruise segment, and want to learn more about how to get involved.
Photo credit: Destination NSW

Destination NSW Inbound Strategy Workshop
2025-10-21 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, 7 Boronia Street, Bowral, NSW
The free, practical Inbound Strategy workshop is designed to provide visitor economy businesses with the necessary steps to develop and sell export-ready products to international visitors via the inbound travel trade.

Who is it for?
The Inbound Strategy workshop will suit visitor economy businesses, including accommodation, tours and activities, and visitor attractions including wineries, distilleries, breweries and farm gates that:

Offer bookable experiences
Have a presence in the domestic market, with at least one year of operational experience
Are currently connected with or considering working with an online travel agent
Are exploring opportunities in the international market

Get insights and tips on:

Understanding international markets
Tailoring visitor experiences
How to work with distributors (online travel agents and inbound tour operators) to sell internationally
Business processes, sales tools and steps to get started

What is included?

Insights, case studies and industry tips
Discussion and activities
Networking morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

Click. Book. Experience. – Distribution Deep Dive Workshop & Networking
2025-11-11 12:00 - 16:00 UTC
Join us for an interactive workshop + networking session designed to break down the often-confusing world of distribution. Whether you’re a small accommodation provider, an experienced operator, or just starting to sell online, this session will give you the practical tools you need to take action.

What You’ll Learn:

What “distribution” really means, explained in plain language

How OTAs (Online Travel Agents) & Channel Managers work (and what they cost)

How to make your product bookable and findable online

How other local businesses are doing it – real case studies

Where to start if you want to reach domestic and international markets

What to Expect:

2-hour workshop, packed with practical tips from Tourism Australia, Destination NSW and Local operators

Live panel discussions with operators, software providers & OTAs

Networking session with industry suppliers… ask questions face-to-face

Takeaway tools and checklists to get started right away

Why Attend:
This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from booking software solutions, channel managers, Online Travel Agents (Domestic and international Markets), PLUS connect with other local operators who have successfully navigated the process.
So we can better support your journey, when registering, you’ll be asked:

Your current understanding of distribution (beginner / intermediate / confident)

What booking software you currently use (if any)

Which OTAs you are working with (if any)

What topics or suppliers you’d most like to hear from

The Details:

Time: 12pm – 4pm (includes light working lunch)Workshop kicks off at 1.00pm sharp!
Spaces are limited to ensure quality discussion, so register early to secure your spot

Deep Dive into International
2025-12-11 12:30 - 15:30 UTC | Linnaeus Farm Berry, 599 Coolangatta Road, NSW, 2535, Australia
Following the success of our first International Deep Dive earlier this year, we’re thrilled to bring you the second edition – back by popular demand! This time, we’ll be gathering at the beautiful Linnaeus Farm in Berry.
At both our Visitor Economy Forum in February and the DSSS Symposium earlier this year, a common theme emerged: operators across the region are seeking clearer pathways and deeper understanding around how to work effectively with international distribution and trade.
This practical workshop is designed for tourism operators who are ready (or almost ready) to engage with international markets. It goes beyond the basics, offering a real-world look at:

What it takes to activate your product for international audiences
How to plug into the right programs
What trade buyers are looking for right now

You’ll also learn how to collaborate with fellow operators and package itineraries effectively, including exploring what platforms can best support this work.
Event Schedule:
12:30pm | Lunch
Arrive and connect over a light lunch with fellow operators and guest speakers.
1:00pm – 3:00pm | Workshop: Deep Dive into International
Featuring expert presentations from industry leaders including:

Kristy from Shoalhaven and Tracey from Destination Wollongong on ATE and GPD
Aaron from ATEC (Australian Tourism Export Council)
Paul from Sydney Melbourne Touring

This session will explore:

What international activation really looks like for trade-ready product
Case studies from operators successfully working with trade
What trade buyers are currently seeking
How to position your business for program inclusion

Plus, facilitated ‘speed dating’-style table sessions for tailored advice and direct connections.
3:00pm – 3:30pm | Property Visit & Tour
Take a guided tour of the Linnaeus Collection Berry facilities, with the opportunity to see firsthand the unique offerings of this property.
Whether you’re already working with international buyers or just about to step into this space, this is your opportunity to refine your approach and build meaningful connections.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
