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

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

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

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!

Social Media in the Age of AI
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Online
Destination NSW, in partnership with Tourism Tribe, is hosting a second series of practical, industry-focused webinars to help tourism businesses navigate marketing and digital trends in the AI era. Each session runs for one hour and will cover a key topic to help you stay visible, competitive, and efficient.
Learn how to update your social media strategy in the AI environment and optimise your return on effort and investment.

DSSS Region Summer Market Insights
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
DSSS Visitor Economy insights webinar series with Booking.com, as they share key insights from the summer period across the DSSS footprint.

We’re excited to launch a new monthly webinar series in 2026, designed to give our industry direct access to insights shaping our region and key visitor markets.
Held on the second Wednesday of every month, each one-hour session will feature a leading industry stakeholder sharing real world data and market intelligence, including demand and supply trends, visitor behaviour, distribution insights and trade activity across the DSSS footprint. These sessions are practical, insight-led and focused on helping businesses plan ahead and stay competitive.

Video Marketing
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Online
Destination NSW, in partnership with Tourism Tribe, is hosting a second series of practical, industry-focused webinars to help tourism businesses navigate marketing and digital trends in the AI era. Each session runs for one hour and will cover a key topic to help you stay visible, competitive, and efficient.
Discover the benefits of content repurposing, video marketing channels, and practical video production and editing techniques.

Search Visibility in the AI Era
2026-02-17 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Online
Destination NSW, in partnership with Tourism Tribe, is hosting a second series of practical, industry-focused webinars to help tourism businesses navigate marketing and digital trends in the AI era. Each session runs for one hour and will cover a key topic to help you stay visible, competitive, and efficient.
Find out how AI is changing search and what you need to optimise now across your website and Google Business Profile.

Email Marketing for Repeat Bookings
2026-02-19 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | NSW
Destination NSW, in partnership with Tourism Tribe, is hosting a second series of practical, industry-focused webinars to help tourism businesses navigate marketing and digital trends in the AI era. Each session runs for one hour and will cover a key topic to help you stay visible, competitive, and efficient.
Understand why email remains one of the highest converting channels in tourism and how to turn your database into repeat bookings.

Beyond the Ramp: Practical Accessibility for Every Visitor Workshops - Illawarra
2026-03-10 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Shellharbour – 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

Beyond the Ramp: Practical Accessibility for Every Visitor - Nowra
2026-03-11 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, 42 Bridge Road, Nowra, NSW, 2541

Business Events Market Insights & Trade Activity
2026-03-11 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
The Business Events sector continues to be a critical driver of high-yield visitation across the DSSS region. In this March edition of the DSSS Visitor Economy Insights Webinar Series, we turn the spotlight on recent national and international trade activity and what it means for our destinations and operators.
This session will unpack key insights, trends and opportunities emerging from AIME 2026 (Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event), the region’s largest and longest-running business events trade exhibition, as well as learnings from PCOA2025, where Australian destinations and suppliers connected with professional conference organisers in New Zealand.
Hosted by DSSS, with guest speakers from Destination NSW, Destination Southern Highlands, Destination Wollongong and operators who actively represented their businesses at these events, this webinar will provide a first-hand view of how our region is being positioned, what buyers are seeking, what are the current trends and where future demand is heading.
This session is designed to help accommodation providers, venues, experience operators and destination stakeholders better understand the business events pipeline, identify realistic opportunities and align their product and marketing to future demand.

Beyond the Ramp: Practical Accessibility for Every Visitor - Bowral
2026-03-12 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Bowral – TBC

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.

Wellness Experience Development Workshop
2026-05-14 10:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | NSW
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 14 May
10:00am – 1:00pm
Location TBC
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 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.
