Destination Download | March 2025

In this edition:

• News & Announcements
• Business & Skills Development, Resources, Events
• Industry Insights
• Local Updates & New Product
• Grant & Funding Opportunities

Join Us in Kiama at our 2025 Visitor Economy Symposium!

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.

In addition to gaining actionable strategies, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded industry colleagues and business owner – sharing experiences, sparking ideas, and strengthening your network.

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Discussion Paper

Sparrowly Group has released the latest edition of the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Paper. The Paper provides in-depth research and case studies into the economic significance of accessible and inclusive tourism.

Sponsorship Opportunity for AITCAP 2025

The Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Conference – Asia Pacific (AITCAP 2025) is inviting sponsors to support its mission of making tourism more accessible and inclusive. This three-day event, featuring a gala dinner, conference sessions, and workshops, will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, tourism operators, and disability advocates to drive meaningful change.

Sponsorship packages offer businesses and destinations unmatched visibility, positioning them as leaders in inclusive and accessible tourism. From branding opportunities and speaking engagements to exhibition space, AITCAP provides a valuable platform to connect with a growing market of travelers with accessibility needs.

NSW Wine x Sydney Wine Academy Masterclass | 18 March 2025

In 2025 NSW Wine will continue its partnership with Sydney Wine Academy and host regular Masterclasses for Sydney Sommeliers and trade. NSW Wine is home to outstanding wine from across all our beautiful wine regions and these Masterclasses provide a window into the quality and diversity in NSW for the people selling our wine in Sydney.

This year, NSW Wine is kicking the series off with Sustainability: Regenerative farming and organic practices in wine to showcase wines that underpinned by sustainable practices from start to finish. Places are limited and fill up fast for these Masterclasses. If you would like to RSVP please email media@nswwine.com.au.

Social Media Bootcamp Queanbeyan

The Presenters
Edwin John Smith – Edwin’s worked in social media for 11 years, and in a previous life ran the Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok accounts for some of the biggest shows on TV, including Survivor, The Voice, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Love Island, 10 Sport and more. Edwin has an intricate knowledge of what makes each social platform tick.

About
Participants will learn to use social media strategically to boost brand visibility. The workshop covers key features like stories, posts, and reels, with a focus on creating engaging content. Special attention is given to crafting impactful Reels that showcase products and tell brand stories. By the end, attendees will understand the use of social media to promote their businesses, engage customers, and drive sales growth.

This workshop is aimed at small businesses throughout Illawarra, South East & Tablelands and Riverina Murray who have just started or have an established business, and we have the capacity to host up to 20 people.

When: Tuesday March 25 from 2pm to 5pm.
Where: Queanbeyan, Location TBC.

If you would like to register your interest please email: assist@enterpriseplus.org.au

Destination NSW Launches New Support for Caravan and Camping Industry

Destination NSW has partnered with the Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW on a new ‘Feel More, Live More’ marketing program to boost year-round visitation to the state’s 400 holiday parks.

The initiative follows NSW holiday parks celebrating a record average occupancy rate of 81 per cent during the New Year week commencing 30 December 2024, the highest rate for the period in four years.

The campaign will feature on TV and social media in NSW and extend into regional Victoria, the ACT and Southern Queensland.

Developed as an extension of Destination NSW’s Feel New brand, ‘Feel More, Live More’ supports the sustainable growth of regional visitor economies. Learn more here.

New Ev-Friendly Road Tripping Campaign

Destination NSW has just launched the “Recharge Here” campaign, promoting EV-friendly road trips across Greater Sydney and regional NSW. It features nine routes with mapped EV charging stations.

It is so great to see The Grand Pacific Drive, Southern Highlands, and the Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive promoted through this campaign!

Adventure Tourism Standard Undergoes Review

The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has recently announced the appointment of Dr. David Marsden as the Project Lead for the review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPG). With the commencement of this contract marks the start of the review period to ensure that the industry guidelines are keeping up with expected practice in the outdoor industry. Learn more here. 

TfNSW Holiday Conditions Survey

Transport for NSW is in the process of planning their communications activities for 2025. 

Tourism providers are one of the most important partners in getting information to the public about impacts on State roads and they are eager to get your feedback via a short survey on how things have been working, and what you would like to see from them in 2025.  You can access the survey here.

Boost Your Bookings Today with ATDW

Looking to attract more customers? Adding a deal or special offer to your Tourism Business Profile is a powerful way to boost your online visibility and your bookings. Whether it’s a discount, a special package, or a money-can’t-buy offer, your deals will help you get the attention of customers seeking extra value. 

Boost your visibility and attract more bookings. Log in to the ATDW platform today to add a deal to make your experience the top choice for travellers. 

Rex Airlines to Become Government Owned if No Buyer Found

The federal government will acquire Regional Express if the collapsed airline fails to find a buyer — a move which would make it the first nationally-owned carrier in three decades.

Regional Express entered voluntary administration in July last year, after it failed to expand its services to competitive capital city routes.

Administrators from EY were appointed to oversee the business, also known as Rex, but have so far been unable to secure a buyer for Australia’s third-largest airline.

The announcement comes ahead of a second attempt to sell the airline, with the government offering to work with bidders to ensure a “successful sale” that would provide reliable regional services.

Direct Hotel Bookings are on the Rise

New data from SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends report reveals a surge in direct hotel bookings across Australia. In 2024, direct bookings via hotel websites ranked as the third most popular accommodation booking method, generating an average of $778 per booking—an 8.5% increase from 2023.

Coming Soon! Premium Australian Spirits Inspired By Country

Dharawal Distilling Co is proudly 100% First Nations owned and Supply Nation Certified. These premium Australian spirits are crafted with care on Dharawal country, honouring the land, its people, and its stories.  

Blak Markets Returns to Huskisson

Huskisson Blak Markets – 20 April 2025, 9 AM – 2 PM
📍 White Sands Park

Celebrate First Nations culture at the Huskisson Blak Markets, an ethical Indigenous market showcasing 20 unique stalls featuring authentic artworks, crafts, bushfoods, and fashion from the South Coast Aboriginal community.

Run by First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, the Blak Markets connect visitors with Aboriginal artists and small business owners, offering a unique opportunity to engage, learn, and shop ethically.

This event is proudly supported by the Investing in Rural Community Futures Program, funded by Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

Net Zero Planning Grant

The Net Zero Planning Grant aims to provide NSW businesses an opportunity to receive funding to cover the costs to strategically plan for and progress their path to net zero. It will provide funding for businesses to access the Net Zero Business Guide which supports businesses to navigate the evolving net zero landscape.

Applications close 2 May 2025

Open Streets Program Extended to Support Free Street Events

The NSW Government is extending its Open Streets program to support free-entry street events from 2025 to 2028. The new $14.65 million round will offer successful councils up to $350,000 in funding over three years to deliver at least one free street-based event each year. More than one million people attended free street events in 2024.

Applications close 14 March 2025