Introduction to Wellness Experiences Webinar with Katherine Droga
2026-04-22 12:00 - 12:45 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
Introduction to Wellness Experiences Webinar
Join wellness tourism specialist Katherine Droga for a practical introduction to one of the fastest-growing segments in global travel.
Aligned with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, the session will explore global definitions and trends and the value of the sector and provide some valuable context around NSW free tools and supports available for businesses.
In this 45-minute session, we’ll explore:

What wellness tourism means in today’s context (and how it’s evolving)
Key global and domestic trends shaping visitor expectations
The size of the opportunity and why it matters for regional NSW
How wellness can be incorporated into existing tourism offerings
Tools, resources and support available to help you get started

Wednesday 22 April | 12.00 – 12.45pm
Importantly, this session will highlight that wellness tourism extends beyond traditional retreats or spas… many businesses are already delivering elements of wellness through nature, food, culture and connection.
To help you get the most out of the session, we encourage you to explore the Destination NSW wellness tourism resources ahead of time: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/destination-nsw-business-support/nsw-first-program/wellness-tourism
This session is ideal for businesses at any stage, whether you’re already operating in the wellness space or simply curious about where your offering might fit.
Also register for our in person workshop, taking place on Thursday 14 May | 10.00am – 1.00pm | Register here
Image: Pigeon House Mountain, Morton National Park | Credit: Destination NSW

Making Accessibility Visible: Access Statements and ATDW Accessibility Features | DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | May 2026
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
Topic: Making Accessibility Visible: Access Statements and ATDW Accessibility Features
Wednesday 13th May 2026 | Time 1.00-2.00pm
Following strong interest from industry during the recent Beyond the Ramp Accessible Tourism Workshops, this practical webinar will explore how tourism businesses can better communicate accessibility information online.
Hosted by Melissa James from Inclusive Tourism (with ATDW pending confirmation), this short and practical session will focus on two key tools that help visitors with access needs confidently plan their trip:

Creating clear and useful Access Statements for your website
Understanding and using ATDW Accessibility Attributes to improve how your product appears across distribution platforms

Many destinations unintentionally exclude visitors not because their experience is inaccessible, but because the information travellers need simply isn’t available.
This session will walk through the key elements of a strong access statement, how accessibility information influences travel planning, and how operators can ensure their information is visible across the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) and connected distribution channels.
The webinar will provide practical tips and examples so operators can quickly improve the way accessibility information is communicated online.
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Part of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | May 2026
The DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series is a monthly program designed to share timely insights, data, learnings and best-practice guidance to support tourism operators, destination stakeholders and partners across the Destination Sydney Surrounds South region.
Each session focuses on a different theme relevant to the visitor economy, including industry insights, data and research, market trends, social impact, capability building and emerging opportunities. Topics and speakers vary each month and are tailored to current priorities, seasonal considerations and industry needs.
These webinars are practical and informative, providing attendees with access to current visitor economy insights and data, learnings from industry, government and regional partners, guidance on how to apply insights to business and destination planning and opportunities to stay connected with regional and state-level initiatives.
Webinars are typically scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 1.00–2.00pm. Please note that in some months, session dates may be adjusted to accommodate public holidays, peak periods or scheduling conflicts.
Further details, including confirmed topics, speakers and registration information, will be shared closer to each session.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available as an on-demand resource via the Destination Sydney Surrounds South website. For further information, please contact us at info@dnsss.com.au or visit www.dnsss.com.au/news-events.

DSSS Visitor Economy Symposium 2026
2026-05-27 08:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Pavilion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama, NSW, 2533, Australia
Destination Sydney Surrounds South is excited to be hosting the Visitor Economy Symposium again in 2026!

Our Visitor Economy Symposium is back, and this year, we’ve raised the bar.
As our industry works to deliver the ambitions of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, one thing is clear: success depends on how effectively we share knowledge, build capability, and work together. This year’s Symposium is designed to do exactly that: bringing practical insights, real-world examples, and genuine collaboration into one room, for one powerful day.
By coming together to learn, connect, and share ideas, we’ll help ensure our region is well placed to grow a strong, sustainable, and competitive visitor economy. This is strategy becoming action.
Yes, there’s a ticket price this year, and here’s why it’s worth it:
We’ve invested in building the best program we’ve ever delivered, designed to provide practical insights, meaningful connections, and real opportunities for your business and we know you’ll agree.
For $30 per person, you’ll get:

A highly regarded industry expert as MC – Felicia Mariani, a proven facilitator who deeply understands the visitor economy.
Inspiration from one of Australia’s most successful tourism operators – Rob Pennicott, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys will share how he took his business to the global stage, and the practical lessons that helped him get there.
Hear from Karen Jones, CEO DNSW on the progress and priorities of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.
How to get the most out of your Destination Network – Shannan Perry-Hall, GM DSSS will share ways to collaborate and leverage upcoming initiatives.
A practical panel on telling your story – led by Coralie McCarthy, CEO Business Illawarra with industry and media experts, delivered in partnership with Business Illawarra.
A practical session with Despina Karatzias, Institute of Excellence on how collaborating with complementary businesses can grow revenue and create stronger visitor experiences, without discounting.
Expert-led breakout sessions to choose from, focused on the issues that matter most to your business.
A full day of networking with industry peers, leaders, and potential collaborators over great food in a fantastic location.

Bringing a colleague? Register two or more, and everyone pays just $20 per person. Use code ‘BRINGAFRIEND‘ at checkout.
View the full program here

NSW Tourism Awards - Planning for success
2026-06-10 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
Wednesday 10th June 2026 | Time 1.00-2.00pm
Join Destination Sydney Surrounds South for our June Visitor Economy Insights Webinar exploring the NSW Tourism Awards program and how tourism operators across our region can start planning now for future success.
This practical and inspirational session will feature insights from award-winning operators, industry leaders and experienced tourism awards judges, designed to help demystify the awards process and showcase the value of participating beyond simply winning an award.
The webinar will explore:

Why tourism awards matter
The business and strategic benefits of entering
How the submission process can strengthen your business
Marketing and brand value of award recognition
Practical tips from past entrants and award winners
The support available through the NSW Tourism Association Entrant Support and Mentoring Programs

The session will include a panel discussion featuring tourism operators and businesses who have experienced success through the awards program, sharing honest insights, lessons learnt and practical advice for operators considering entering for the first time.
Guest Speakers Include:

Natalie Godward, CEO, NSW Tourism Association (TBC)
Louise or Anthony Warren, Mt Hay Retreat
Libby Cupitt, Cupitt’s Estate
Kevin Fallon, Symbio Wildlife Park
Robyn Johnson, Destination Wollongong Board Member & Tourism Awards Judge

This session is ideal for tourism operators, event organisers, accommodation providers, experience businesses and industry stakeholders interested in learning more about the NSW Tourism Awards and how to start preparing now for future submissions.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available on-demand via the DSSS website following the session.
To learn more about the NSW Tourism Awards, Entrant Support Program and Mentoring Program, visit: NSW Tourism Awards & Entrant Support Program.
Register your place here.
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The DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series is a monthly program designed to share timely insights, data, learnings and best-practice guidance to support tourism operators, destination stakeholders and partners across the Destination Sydney Surrounds South region.
Each session focuses on a different theme relevant to the visitor economy, including industry insights, data and research, market trends, social impact, capability building and emerging opportunities. Topics and speakers vary each month and are tailored to current priorities, seasonal considerations and industry needs.
These webinars are practical and informative, providing attendees with access to current visitor economy insights and data, learnings from industry, government and regional partners, guidance on how to apply insights to business and destination planning and opportunities to stay connected with regional and state-level initiatives.
Webinars are typically scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 1.00–2.00pm. Please note that in some months, session dates may be adjusted to accommodate public holidays, peak periods or scheduling conflicts.
Further details, including confirmed topics, speakers and registration information, will be shared closer to each session.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available as an on-demand resource via the Destination Sydney Surrounds South website. For further information, please contact us at info@dnsss.com.au or visit https://dnsss.com.au/news-events.

Wellness Experience Development Workshop
2026-06-18 10:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Crooked River Estate, 11 Willowvale Rd, Gerringong, NSW, 2534, Australia
Update: To avoid a clash with industry trade commitments, this workshop has been moved to Thursday 18 June 2026, 10.00am–1.00pm at Crooked River Estate. All other details remain unchanged.
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Turn wellness trends into market-ready experiences in this hands-on workshop focused on practical ideas and collaboration.

Wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in global travel and it’s not just about spas or retreats. More and more visitors are simply looking to incorporate elements of wellbeing, nature and connection into their overall travel experience.
To support local businesses in understanding and tapping into this opportunity, Destination Sydney Surrounds South is partnering with wellness tourism specialists Droga & Co. to deliver a free, two-part program across April and May.
Wellness visitors are also some of the highest-value travellers, typically staying longer, spending more, and often travelling outside of peak periods, presenting a strong opportunity for regional businesses.
Importantly, many businesses are already delivering elements of wellness without necessarily labelling them that way. This program is designed to help unpack where your offering might fit.
Following the introductory webinar, this interactive 3-hour workshop, delivered in partnership with Droga & Co. is designed to help businesses translate wellness trends into tangible, market-ready experiences.
This hands-on session will cover:

Identifying where your current offering aligns with wellness tourism
Understanding your target wellness traveller and their expectations
Developing or refining experiences that are authentic and place-based
Packaging and positioning your product for market appeal
Exploring collaboration opportunities and building complementary experiences across the region

Thursday 18th June 2026
10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Crooked River Estate
Participants will leave with clear ideas, practical next steps, and a stronger understanding of how to evolve their offering in line with this growing market.
We recommend attending the webinar prior to this session, and reviewing the Destination NSW Wellness tourism resources to maximise your participation.
This workshop is ideal for businesses ready to take the next step and actively develop or refine their wellness offering.
Image: Killalea Regional Park | Credit: Dee Kramer

DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | July 2026
2026-07-08 13:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
Wednesday 8th July 2026 | Time 1.00-2.00pm

Register your place here.
Part of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series
–
The DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series is a monthly program designed to share timely insights, data, learnings and best-practice guidance to support tourism operators, destination stakeholders and partners across the Destination Sydney Surrounds South region.
Each session focuses on a different theme relevant to the visitor economy, including industry insights, data and research, market trends, social impact, capability building and emerging opportunities. Topics and speakers vary each month and are tailored to current priorities, seasonal considerations and industry needs.
These webinars are practical and informative, providing attendees with access to current visitor economy insights and data, learnings from industry, government and regional partners, guidance on how to apply insights to business and destination planning and opportunities to stay connected with regional and state-level initiatives.
Webinars are typically scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 1.00–2.00pm. Please note that in some months, session dates may be adjusted to accommodate public holidays, peak periods or scheduling conflicts.
Further details, including confirmed topics, speakers and registration information, will be shared closer to each session.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available as an on-demand resource via the Destination Sydney Surrounds South website. For further information, please contact us at info@dnsss.com.au or visit https://dnsss.com.au/news-events.

DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | August 2026
2026-08-12 13:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
Wednesday 12th August 2026 | Time 1.00-2.00pm

Register your place here.
Part of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series
–
The DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series is a monthly program designed to share timely insights, data, learnings and best-practice guidance to support tourism operators, destination stakeholders and partners across the Destination Sydney Surrounds South region.
Each session focuses on a different theme relevant to the visitor economy, including industry insights, data and research, market trends, social impact, capability building and emerging opportunities. Topics and speakers vary each month and are tailored to current priorities, seasonal considerations and industry needs.
These webinars are practical and informative, providing attendees with access to current visitor economy insights and data, learnings from industry, government and regional partners, guidance on how to apply insights to business and destination planning and opportunities to stay connected with regional and state-level initiatives.
Webinars are typically scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 1.00–2.00pm. Please note that in some months, session dates may be adjusted to accommodate public holidays, peak periods or scheduling conflicts.
Further details, including confirmed topics, speakers and registration information, will be shared closer to each session.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available as an on-demand resource via the Destination Sydney Surrounds South website. For further information, please contact us at info@dnsss.com.au or visit https://dnsss.com.au/news-events.

DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | September 2026
2026-09-09 13:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
Wednesday 9th September 2026 | Time 1.00-2.00pm

Register your place here.
Part of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series
–
The DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series is a monthly program designed to share timely insights, data, learnings and best-practice guidance to support tourism operators, destination stakeholders and partners across the Destination Sydney Surrounds South region.
Each session focuses on a different theme relevant to the visitor economy, including industry insights, data and research, market trends, social impact, capability building and emerging opportunities. Topics and speakers vary each month and are tailored to current priorities, seasonal considerations and industry needs.
These webinars are practical and informative, providing attendees with access to current visitor economy insights and data, learnings from industry, government and regional partners, guidance on how to apply insights to business and destination planning and opportunities to stay connected with regional and state-level initiatives.
Webinars are typically scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 1.00–2.00pm. Please note that in some months, session dates may be adjusted to accommodate public holidays, peak periods or scheduling conflicts.
Further details, including confirmed topics, speakers and registration information, will be shared closer to each session.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available as an on-demand resource via the Destination Sydney Surrounds South website. For further information, please contact us at info@dnsss.com.au or visit https://dnsss.com.au/news-events.

DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | October 2026
2026-10-14 13:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
Wednesday 14th October 2026 | Time 1.00-2.00pm

Register your place here.
Part of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series
–
The DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series is a monthly program designed to share timely insights, data, learnings and best-practice guidance to support tourism operators, destination stakeholders and partners across the Destination Sydney Surrounds South region.
Each session focuses on a different theme relevant to the visitor economy, including industry insights, data and research, market trends, social impact, capability building and emerging opportunities. Topics and speakers vary each month and are tailored to current priorities, seasonal considerations and industry needs.
These webinars are practical and informative, providing attendees with access to current visitor economy insights and data, learnings from industry, government and regional partners, guidance on how to apply insights to business and destination planning and opportunities to stay connected with regional and state-level initiatives.
Webinars are typically scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 1.00–2.00pm. Please note that in some months, session dates may be adjusted to accommodate public holidays, peak periods or scheduling conflicts.
Further details, including confirmed topics, speakers and registration information, will be shared closer to each session.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available as an on-demand resource via the Destination Sydney Surrounds South website. For further information, please contact us at info@dnsss.com.au or visit https://dnsss.com.au/news-events.

DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | November 2026
2026-11-11 13:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
Wednesday 11th November 2026 | Time 1.00-2.00pm

Register your place here.
Part of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series
–
The DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series is a monthly program designed to share timely insights, data, learnings and best-practice guidance to support tourism operators, destination stakeholders and partners across the Destination Sydney Surrounds South region.
Each session focuses on a different theme relevant to the visitor economy, including industry insights, data and research, market trends, social impact, capability building and emerging opportunities. Topics and speakers vary each month and are tailored to current priorities, seasonal considerations and industry needs.
These webinars are practical and informative, providing attendees with access to current visitor economy insights and data, learnings from industry, government and regional partners, guidance on how to apply insights to business and destination planning and opportunities to stay connected with regional and state-level initiatives.
Webinars are typically scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 1.00–2.00pm. Please note that in some months, session dates may be adjusted to accommodate public holidays, peak periods or scheduling conflicts.
Further details, including confirmed topics, speakers and registration information, will be shared closer to each session.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available as an on-demand resource via the Destination Sydney Surrounds South website. For further information, please contact us at info@dnsss.com.au or visit https://dnsss.com.au/news-events.

DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | December 2026
2026-12-09 13:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Online
Wednesday 9th December 2026 | Time 1.00-2.00pm

Register your place here.
Part of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series
–
The DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series is a monthly program designed to share timely insights, data, learnings and best-practice guidance to support tourism operators, destination stakeholders and partners across the Destination Sydney Surrounds South region.
Each session focuses on a different theme relevant to the visitor economy, including industry insights, data and research, market trends, social impact, capability building and emerging opportunities. Topics and speakers vary each month and are tailored to current priorities, seasonal considerations and industry needs.
These webinars are practical and informative, providing attendees with access to current visitor economy insights and data, learnings from industry, government and regional partners, guidance on how to apply insights to business and destination planning and opportunities to stay connected with regional and state-level initiatives.
Webinars are typically scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 1.00–2.00pm. Please note that in some months, session dates may be adjusted to accommodate public holidays, peak periods or scheduling conflicts.
Further details, including confirmed topics, speakers and registration information, will be shared closer to each session.
Please note this webinar will be recorded and made available as an on-demand resource via the Destination Sydney Surrounds South website. For further information, please contact us at info@dnsss.com.au or visit https://dnsss.com.au/news-events.
