We’re kicking off 2026 with a packed program of workshops, webinars and practical learning opportunities designed to support industry across the region. From our new Visitor Economy Insights webinar series and hands-on accessibility workshops, to Destination NSW and Tourism Tribe's digital marketing sessions, there are plenty of chances in the coming months to build skills, stay informed and plan confidently for the year ahead.
In this edition:
News & Announcements
Business & Skills Development, Resources, Events
Industry Insights
Local Updates
Image courtesy of WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres
World-class entertainment is coming to Wollongong
The NSW Government has unveiled plans for a new sports and entertainment precinct in Wollongong, including a 9,500 capacity WIN Arena, a redeveloped WIN Stadium, and a new beachside hospitality precinct.
Set to become the place to be in the Illawarra, the precinct will attract up to 150 events each year and contribute an estimated $550 million in economic activity to the local community.
Premier Chris Minns said: “This is a once-in-a-generation investment in the Illawarra that will transform the region into a world-class destination for sport, entertainment and major events.”
NSW Fair Trading has announced an exemption for e-micromobility vehicles like e-bikes and e-scooters from the new testing, certification and marking requirements, provided the vehicles are only available for hire, rent and/or lease, are purchased before 1 February 2026, and meet the product safety standards.
The exemption is automatic; no application is necessary. However, NSW Fair Trading may request evidence of compliance with the product standards and proof of date of purchase.
From 1 February 2026, e-micromobility vehicles sold in NSW must be tested, certified and marked, including second-hand vehicles and former hire fleets.
The AICD Company Directors Course is Australia’s flagship governance program for current and aspiring directors, providing a comprehensive foundation in the responsibilities of board roles. The course covers governance and board effectiveness, directors’ duties, finance, and risk and strategy, with a focus on building sound judgement, confidence, and capability at a board level. Completion of the course leads to AICD certification, a nationally recognised credential and includes a complimentary 12-month AICD membership.
The program includes:
Six weeks of guided pre-reading (this occurs prior to the in-person delivery)
Five full days of face-to-face learning
An optional post-course assessment
The in-person Wollongong delivery will run from Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May 2026, hosted at the Wollongong Golf Club. Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are included on all delivery days. Course pre-reading starts roughly six weeks prior to this in-person delivery.
We’re excited to launch a new monthly webinar series giving our industry direct access to the insights shaping our region and key visitor markets.
Held every second Wednesday of the month from 1–2pm, these one-hour sessions feature leading industry stakeholders sharing practical insights on visitor behaviour, demand and supply trends, distribution and trade activity. Designed to help businesses plan ahead, stay informed, and remain competitive.
Upcoming sessions include:
February - DSSS RegionSummer Market Insights
Hosted by Booking.com, this session will unpack key insights from the summer period across the DSSS region.
March - Business Events Market Insights & Trade Activity
A deep dive into key trends, insights and opportunities emerging from AIME 2026 (Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event) for the business events market. Wednesday 11 Mar | 1-2pm | Register here
April - Business Illawarra Insights
Hosted by Business Illawarra, This session will focus on current insights we’re seeing on the ground, including regional business sentiment and key findings from recent business surveys.
May - Social Impact in Tourism – Insights, Case Studies & Learnings Explore how social impact is shaping tourism, with practical examples and learnings from across the industry. Wednesday 13 May | 1-2pm | Register here
June - Data in Tourism – Finding, Understanding & Using Insights Learn where to find the right data, how to interpret it, and how to use insights to inform smarter business decisions. Wednesday 10 Jun | 1-2pm | Register here
All webinar recordings, resources and registration links will be available on our website at dnsss.com.au/news-events. We’ll continue to share updates, new topics and additions to the program through our fortnightly newsletters.
Beyond the Ramp: Practical Accessibility for Every Visitor Workshops
One in five trips in Australia are taken by travellers with access needs... are you ready for them? Beyond the Ramp is a practical, interactive workshop that goes beyond compliance to focus on real-world customer experience, marketing and service delivery. Walk away with simple, achievable changes you can implement straight away to create more welcoming, user-friendly experiences for every visitor.
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. Venues are still TBC. Duration is four (4) hours.
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.
Destination NSW & Tourism Tribe Webinar Series
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.
Webinar Schedule & Topics:
Social Media in the Age of AI | Tuesday 10 February | 10–11am (AEDT) Learn how to update your social media strategy in the AI environment and optimise your return on effort and investment.
Video Marketing | Thursday 12 February | 10–11am (AEDT) Discover the benefits of content repurposing, video marketing channels, and practical video production and editing techniques.
Search Visibility in the AI Era | Tuesday 17 February | 10–11am (AEDT) 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 | Thursday 19 February | 10–11am (AEDT) Understand why email remains one of the highest converting channels in tourism and how to turn your database into repeat bookings.
Destination NSW and Tourism Tribe also have launched a suite of on demand webinars and resources that will help you gain insights and skills in the areas of digital marketing, AI and tourism technology.
On Demand Webinar Topics:
Travel Trends How changing travel trends and customer habits in the age of AI are affecting tourism – and how businesses can use AI to better connect with customers.
Marketing gains & AI
Using AI tools to save time and improve marketing outcomes; create a marketing and social media plan using ChatGPT.
Smarter Backoffice Easy-to-use technology for small and medium-sized tourism businesses, ways to connect your data, important things to know about online security and apps that save you time.
Content Exposure
Make sure your listings on ATDW, Google Business Profile, Bing and key pages on your website all work well together.
Destination NSW has recently added a newGet Skilled Access training video series to their Accessibility and Inclusion resources. The six-part series is designed to support tourism businesses in improving accessibility and inclusion knowledge, covering topics such as hosting accessible events, inclusive marketing, and supporting travellers who are neurodivergent. These resources are free and available to access anytime.
These resources provide broader context and ongoing professional development, while our upcoming in-person workshop remains focused on practical application, discussion, local case studies and hands-on exercises tailored to your business.
Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide submissions are open
Top Tourism Town nominations are open until 26 February, with final submissions due by 25 March. Plus, the NSW Top Tour Guide Awards return for a second year, recognising the storytellers, cultural custodians and connectors who bring visitor experiences to life across the state.
Take the Business NSW Business Conditions Survey
Help make running a business easier in NSW. Take Business NSW's quarterly Business Conditions Survey and tell them what’s holding your business back, from taxes and red tape to energy and insurance. Your feedback helps drive change.
NSW Tourism email scam
An email is doing the rounds claiming to be from New South Wales Tourism, asking businesses to check their listing and requesting payment via invoice. THIS IS A SCAM.
Neither NSW Tourism Association nor Destination NSW sends emails of this nature. In our state, ATDW listings are free through Destination NSW’s Get Connected program - no payment is required. Please do not click on any links or pay any invoices associated with these messages.
Tourism Australia appoints new Managing Director
The Board of Tourism Australia has announced the appointment of Robin Mack as the new Managing Director of Tourism Australia. Robin has been with Tourism Australia for the past 13 years and acting in the MD role since August.
Video guides: accessibility and inclusion in tourism
Destination NSW has produced a video series with Get Skilled Access aimed at improving accessibility and inclusion knowledge within the tourism sector. The six-part series explores topics including how to host accessible and inclusive events, inclusive marketing and supporting travellers who are neurodivergent.
Nominate your town for the 100 Best Aussie Towns
You are invited to help shape Australian Traveller's biggest campaign of 2026 - the 100 Best Towns in Australia to travel toand give your best loved towns and communities the spotlight they deserve. Australian Traveller isseeking your nominations for the best towns in your state or territory – and why they deserve recognition in 5-10 words. These will help shape their longlist, to be voted on by the panel of editors, industry experts and leading Australian identities. If you think you know someone who would be a great panel member, please feel free to email Imogen your suggestion (ieveson@australiantraveller.com).
Download the 2026 Tourism Australia Media Kit
Tourism Australia’s 2026 Australia Media Kit is now available to download here and also on the Media Resources page on the Tourism Australia corporate website.
National Visitor Survey Results for the year ending 2024 released
The National Visitor Survey (NVS) results provide statistics on how Australian residents travel within Australia. You can find national, state and territory results for the:
number of trips taken
nights spent on a trip
amount spent on a trip.
You can also read about the factors influencing travel in Australia.
Discover what's been happening across our industry.
To share your new product, experience or event, please get in touch with us at info@dnsss.com.au
Image: Canyonleigh Retreat
Regional snapshots
On the road with Kylie Bushby, Business Development Manager
I hope everyone had a relaxing break over the silly season and is feeling refreshed for the year ahead. After a well-rested break myself, it’s been great to ease back into work and reconnect with industry across the region.
Since returning to the office, I’ve already had the opportunity to catch up with a number of operators and partners, including:
These conversations have been a great way to jump straight back into the work of supporting local tourism and identifying opportunities for collaboration in 2026.
As always, I’m keen to connect with more businesses across the region. If you’d like to chat about opportunities, challenges, ideas or upcoming projects, you’re welcome to book a one-on-one meeting with me either in person or online via my booking link.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update.
Don't forget between our updates you'll find us on socials, head over to follow us onLinkedInand you'll also find us onInstagram.
We also encourage you to share our updates with your networks, simply forward this email and they can register here.
Talk soon, The DSSS team
Destination Sydney Surrounds South acknowledges the Aboriginal Nations and Aboriginal People of the Sydney Surrounds South region as the traditional carers and custodians of the land that we all now live and work on. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. Destination Sydney Surrounds South values the diversity of this region and works in partnership with local Aboriginal communities to respectfully celebrate and share Aboriginal culture with visitors to the region and also with locals who live here.
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