Destination Sydney Surrounds South

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 | NSW
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!
