Destination Download | January 2025

In this edition:

• News & Announcements

• Business & Skills Development, Resources, Events

• Industry Insights

• Local Updates & New Product

• Grant & Funding Opportunities

Welcome to the Team, Kylie!

We’re excited to welcome Kylie Bushby to the Destination Sydney Surrounds South team as our new Business Development Manager!

With nearly 15 years of experience in the visitor economy and tourism industries, Kylie brings a wealth of expertise across sales, marketing, strategy, and industry development. Her career spans roles with leading operators in the Southern Highlands, Sydney, South Coast and Illawarra regions, where she forged strong relationships with key stakeholders and elevated the profiles of local destinations.

Kylie joins us from our neighbouring Destination Network, Destination Southern NSW (DSNSW), where she worked with five Local Government areas across the Southern Tablelands. Her proven ability to engage with operators, councils and community partners positions her perfectly to drive innovative programs and strengthen regional tourism.

Having worked part-time with DSSS since September 2024, Kylie is already deeply familiar with our region’s opportunities and challenges. Her passion for fostering partnerships and her commitment to supporting sustainable tourism growth will undoubtedly make a significant impact.

When she’s not championing regional tourism, Kylie enjoys discovering local gems and indulging in great food and wine.

Please join us in welcoming Kylie to the team! 🥳

Register to Attend Destination Australia

Tourism Australia will host the annual Destination Australia conference on Wednesday 19 March 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

This year, with a theme of ‘We are the Australian tourism industry’ the future evolution and growth of our sector, will be the focus of the day.

At the event, industry leaders will share insights and updates, we will explore how we can continue to evolve the depth and breadth of our tourism offerings, and we will look again at how we collaborate to ensure the sustainable growth of our sector.

As always, a range of topics will be covered from aviation to marketing trends, future distribution landscape to agritourism, and so much more! 

Exhibitor Opportunity for the 2024 National Wine Festival of Australia

The National Wine Show has announced the upcoming 2025 National Wine Festival of Australia, a premier event celebrating Australia’s wine industry. This year’s festival will be hosted at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, offering exhibitors a platform to connect with an engaged audience of industry professionals, wine lovers, and connoisseurs.

 The National Wine Festival is not just about wine. In addition to showcasing the finest wines from across the region, they are expanding their focus to include key complementary industries that support and enhance the wine experience. This year, they are inviting exhibitors from the hospitality, tourism, gourmet food, and artisanal sectors to join them in presenting a holistic experience that celebrates Australia’s national wine heritage.

The exhibitor opportunity is aimed at:

• Regional Tourism offices, Agri-Tourism Businesses, Travel Agencies: Organisations that can highlight wine tourism destinations, regional wine trails, and Australian wine tourism opportunities.
• Wine related Hospitality Suppliers: Providers of products and services for the hospitality industry, such as wine storage solutions, wine accessories, furniture, and other premium wine-related equipment providers.
• Wine Producers: Local, regional, and national wineries looking to showcase their latest vintages, award-winning collections, or unique blends.
• Gourmet Food Producers: Artisan food companies, especially those producing cheese, charcuterie, chocolates, and other gourmet products that pair well with wine.
• Artisanal Producers: Makers of related products such as decanters, wine accessories, and other items that enhance the wine experience.
• Sustainable and Innovative Brands: Businesses focused on sustainability in winemaking, packaging, and wine tourism, including companies with innovative tech solutions for the industry.
• Retailers and Distributors: Wine shops, specialty retailers, and distribution companies seeking new connections with wineries and wine enthusiasts.

If you have any questions, please contact Adelina La Vita directly on ceo@rncas.org.au.

Visitor Economy Microskill Course TAFE NSW – Self-Paced Learning Modules

TAFE NSW has teamed up with Destination NSW to offer the Visitor Economy ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Microskill Course. The online course is for individuals who would like to explore the diverse roles and opportunities the visitor economy has to offer.
 
Free Short Courses In Artificial Intelligence TAFE NSW

1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence which covers the basics like common terms, and how AI operates. 
2. Generative AI and its Business Applications where you’ll learn how to use and discover the potential of tools like ChatGPT to support you in streamlining your processes. 

Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard Pre-Certification Registration Extended

NSW visitor economy businesses can still register for the pre-certification Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, which has now been extended until 30 June 2025. The scorecard can assist businesses to make informed decisions and take steps to enhance and promote sustainable practices.

Delivered by Destination NSW, in partnership with Ecotourism Australia, the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is free to access and supports visitor economy businesses in evaluating their performance across four key pillars of sustainability:

• Environmental impacts
• Socio-economic impacts
• Cultural impacts
• Sustainable management. 

• Learn how business can positively impact people, the planet and culture
• Evaluate current sustainability performance (in less than a day*)
• Receive personalised and practical insights for continuous improvement
• Clarify and simplify sustainability practices through a snapshot evaluation.

Share the Shore This Beach-Nesting Bird Season

DNSW’s Share the Shore information page features practical tips and insights about shorebirds during this critical time of year. To make it easy for you, they’ve also created a Stakeholder Content Pack. It’s full of ready-to-use materials, including: 

• Engaging videos and graphics 
• A fun colouring-in resource (great for families and community groups!) 
• Key messages to inspire awareness and action 
• Example social media posts to help you spread the word 

These tools are designed to empower you to engage your community/customers/stakeholders, spark meaningful conversations, and make a real impact for our shorebirds. 
 
Visit the Share the Shore Information Page to learn more and Download the Content Pack to access these free resources. 
Together, we can make a difference this beach-nesting season. Thank you for your continued support! 
 
Interested to know more about the Saving our Species program? Visit DNSW’s partner with us page for more information.

New Acting CEO for Destination NSW

Karen Jones has commenced as Acting CEO of Destination NSW, taking the reins for an interim period of approximately six months. Ms Jones brings more than 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government. Most recently, she served as CEO of the Office of Sport, where she led initiatives such as the ‘10 World Cups in 10 Years’ campaign, the Office of Sport’s Strategic Plan and the Play Her Way Strategy. Ms Jones will lead the Destination NSW team and work closely with industry partners to ensure the state remains Australia’s top destination and events capital.

Free, Personalised ATDW Support

Are you wondering if your Tourism Business Profile could work harder for you, but not sure where to start? Standing out online is a challenge for all businesses.

That’s why ATDW offers free one-on-one profile optimisation sessions to help you succeed. The friendly team of experts will guide you in enhancing your profile to attract more customers. Boost your visibility and connect with the right audience.

Visit the ATDW website today, or book your one-on-one session here.

New Forecasts Released for Australia’s Tourism Industry

Tourism Research Australia (TRA) has released the latest Tourism Forecasts for Australia 2024–2029 report, and the outlook is one of growth for international and domestic tourism.

While the 2024 forecasts have been downgraded from last year’s projections due to various global and local factors, the Australian visitor economy continues to grow. 

Baabaa-Gulli Murru Tour: A Journey of Connection and Heritage

The team at Gadhungal Marring have recently launched a new, exciting tour – Baabaa-Gulli Murru (Grandfather’s Track) Tour. This unforgettable “walk and talk on Country” takes place at the Huskisson Maritime Museum. This family-led experience celebrates Dharrawal culture, storytelling, and connection to the land, offering a unique perspective on the stunning Jervis Bay area. Share the news of this great new product far and wide!

Bowral Beekeeping Unveils New Venue

Bowral Beekeeping is thrilled to announce the launch of their stunning new venue, a beautifully converted barn with a terrace that overlooks an ornamental lake and rolling hills at Retford Park, Bowral. 

The new venue can easily accommodate up to 60 people indoors for hands-on workshops, making it a great option for any weather. The terrace, with seating for 40, offers a fantastic space for outdoor gatherings.

The venue is set within a fenced paddock, home to teaching hives, with additional space further down the property for larger groups. It’s also incredibly easy to access—coaches can drive right up to the door!

Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Fund

This government funded program will support initiatives that promote regional economic development and contribute to job creation and retention aligned with the Trust’s key focus areas:

• Aboriginal economic development and enterprise
• Community connection and capacity building
• Improving regional service delivery
• Sustainable regional industries.

Applications close 20 February 2024