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

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

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

Register here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registrations open soon!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get insights and tips on:

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

What is included?

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

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

What You’ll Learn:

What “distribution” really means, explained in plain language

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

How to make your product bookable and findable online

How other local businesses are doing it – real case studies

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

What to Expect:

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

Live panel discussions with operators, software providers & OTAs

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

Takeaway tools and checklists to get started right away

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

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

What booking software you currently use (if any)

Which OTAs you are working with (if any)

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

The Details:

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

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

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

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

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

This session will explore:

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

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