Beyond the Ramp: Practical Accessibility for Every Visitor - Bowral
2026-03-12 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Bowral – TBC
Inclusive tourism is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a growth opportunity, a service standard, and an expectation from today’s travellers.

More than 70 million trips in Australia each year are taken by travellers with accessible needs and their companions, around 1 in 5 trips nationwide. In 2024 alone, these travellers contributed $29.2 billion in tourism spend, making accessibility one of the most significant and growing opportunities for tourism and hospitality businesses.
Beyond the Ramp: Practical Accessibility for Every Visitor is a hands-on, interactive workshop designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses understand accessibility in a broader, more practical way. Rather than focusing on compliance or specialised infrastructure, this workshop explores how small, thoughtful changes across the visitor journey can significantly improve comfort, ease, and usability for a wide range of visitors, while also strengthening your business.
Grounded in Universal Design principles, the session demonstrates how accessible practice benefits everyone: older travellers, families with prams, people with temporary injuries, neurodiverse visitors, and those navigating situational limitations… not just people with permanent disability.
This workshop goes well beyond what happens when a visitor arrives at your business. We’ll explore how people with access needs find, assess, choose and experience tourism products, and what that means for your marketing, online presence, storytelling, service delivery and staff confidence.
Designed specifically for real-world tourism and hospitality environments, the session is practical, engaging and supportive. Through examples, group activities, guided reflection, and local case studies, participants will leave with a clear understanding of accessibility as good customer experience and smart business practice, along with a personalised action plan they can start implementing immediately.
What Participants will learn
Participants will gain practical insight into:

How accessibility extends far beyond disability and supports a wide range of visitor needs
The core principles of Universal Design and how they apply in everyday business settings
Where common barriers occur across the full visitor journey- from online discovery and booking through to arrival, movement, facilities, and staff interactions
Practical, low-cost improvements that can be implemented immediately
How to communicate accessibility information clearly, honestly, and confidently across websites, listings, imagery, and language
How to identify opportunities within their own business to create more welcoming, user-friendly experiences
How small changes can significantly improve customer satisfaction, repeat visitation, and word-of-mouth
Why accessibility is not just inclusion…it’s good business

What we’ll cover:
Understanding different types of disability and access needs; the full customer journey from discovery and booking through to arrival and experience; what inclusive travellers look for in your website, listings, imagery and language; how to position and market your business with confidence and clarity; real-life case studies and practical examples; role play and group discussion; and practical exercises to help you refine your story and identify improvements. This is a practical, interactive workshop, not a lecture.
What Participants will recieve

Pre-workshop self-assessment
Accessibility “Quick Wins” checklist
Visitor journey mapping template
Personalised action plan tailored to their business

What’s different about this workshop?
This workshop is strongly focused on real-world application rather than theory and is designed specifically for tourism and hospitality businesses. It combines practical customer journey, marketing and storytelling exercises with honest conversations about what businesses can and can’t offer, and how to communicate this clearly and confidently to visitors. Delivered in a supportive, peer-based environment, the session recognises that businesses are at different stages of their accessibility journey. Participants will leave with clarity on small, achievable changes they can implement immediately, as well as a clear understanding of longer-term opportunities to work towards over time.
Pre-workshop commitment (important)
To get the most out of the session, all participants are required to complete pre-workshop material. This includes short pre-reading content and a simple self-assessment to understand where you currently sit on your inclusion journey. These materials will be emailed to you ahead of the workshop with clear instructions and completion is required prior to attending the workshop.
Post-workshop follow-up
All participants will be invited to a facilitated online follow-up session that will run for 90 minutes in early May, bringing the group back together to share progress and challenges, ask follow-up questions, and continue learning and accountability. Details will be provided after workshop registration and attendance.
Who should attend?
This workshop is ideal for accommodation providers, visitor experiences and attractions, food and beverage businesses and cellar doors, tour operators, event and venue managers, and destination and tourism staff. You don’t need to be “accessibility ready”, but you do need to be open to change.
Presented by Melissa James from Inclusive Tourism, bringing extensive experience in accessible tourism with practical insight, real examples and an engaging facilitation style focused on action and outcomes.
Workshop locations & dates:
This workshop will be delivered in three locations: Illawarra, Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands . Duration is four (4) hours.

Tuesday 10th March | Shellharbour | 1.00pm – 5.00pm | Registration link
Wednesday 11th March | Nowra | 10.00am – 2.00pm | Registration Link
Thursday 12th March | Bowral | 9.00am – 1.00pm | Registration Link

Workshop registrations will close on Thursday 5 March at 6.00pm to allow sufficient time for all participants to receive and complete the required pre-work prior to the workshop.
In addition to the DSSS pre-work, participants are encouraged to access the Destination NSW Accessibility and Inclusion resources as optional, self-paced learning. These materials sit outside the workshop program but are highly complementary and can be worked through at your own pace, before or after the workshop, and revisited as needed. Recommended Destination NSW resources include The Welcome Framework (Austrade), Quick tips for creating accessible and inclusive experiences and On-demand webinar series, covering:

Disability inclusion in the visitor economy
Inclusive customer service
Creating accessible digital content
Inclusive marketing and communications

These resources provide broader context and ongoing professional development, while the in-person workshop remains focused on practical application, discussion, local case studies and hands-on exercises tailored to your business.
Image credit: Shellharbour City Council

The State of Business | DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | April 2026
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
Part of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series | April 2026
Join Coralie McCarthy, Director of Business Illawarra, for an insightful session unpacking the latest results from Business NSW’s Business Conditions Survey and what the findings mean for businesses across the region.
This webinar will explore key economic trends, emerging challenges, and opportunities impacting local industries, with a particular lens on how broader business conditions are influencing the visitor economy across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands.
Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the current business landscape, including insights into industry confidence, workforce pressures, economic outlook and regional performance indicators.
The session will also include a short update on Business Illawarra’s current initiatives, advocacy priorities and upcoming projects, followed by an open Q&A where participants can ask questions and explore the data further.
About Business Illawarra
Business Illawarra is the region’s peak business advocacy organisation, representing and supporting businesses across the Illawarra and surrounding areas.
As part of the Business NSW network, Business Illawarra works closely with industry, government and community partners to advocate for policies and initiatives that support economic growth, investment and employment across the region.
Through research, data insights, industry engagement and policy advocacy, Business Illawarra provides a strong voice for local businesses while delivering programs, events and networking opportunities that help businesses connect, grow and navigate changing economic conditions.
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The Destination Sydney Surrounds South 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 1.00pm – 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.
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00 – 14:00 (UTC+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

We look forward to having you attend the event!

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

Data in Tourism - Finding, Understanding & Using Insights
2026-06-10 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
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
