Welcome to Destination Download

Welcome to Destination Download. As we move further into 2026, there’s a strong focus on capability-building, collaboration and planning ahead, with a range of upcoming webinars, in-person workshops and industry events designed to support your business and strengthen our region’s visitor economy. Get the diary ready and explore what’s on offer and make the most of these opportunities (there is lots of them!) to learn, connect and grow! If you would rather pick up the phone for a chat please reach out, we are here to support you.

New nature-based tourism resources

Destination NSW has produced new resources to assist visitor economy businesses to create or grow their nature-based tourism experiences. Businesses can find practical tips on developing bookable experiences such as guided walks, wildlife encounters, water-based activities, cycling and stargazing.

Trade resources

As you plan for 2026, be sure to make the most of Destination NSW's trade resources:

• Commissionable products: Ready-to-book NSW experiences.
• Commissionable agritourism experiences in NSW. Find out more about the diverse agritourism experiences across NSW that are commissionable and ready to work with travel distributors.
• Discover newsletter editions: Stay updated on the newest commissionable products, events, and opportunities. Last year’s editions covered an exciting mix of themes: luxury, families, nature and wildlife, Aboriginal experiences, sustainability, unique stays, culinary and agritourism, and summer, ensuring you always had fresh inspiration at your fingertips.
• Destination NSW Content Library: Images, videos and editorial content showcasing destinations and experiences across NSW to support your marketing and sales efforts.

ATO Online Resource Hub

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are offering a suite of masterclasses designed to strengthen small business knowledge.  During these free online sessions, you will have the opportunity to speak with experienced tax officers, ask questions and gain insights tailored to your business needs.
Access the free resources now at Essentials to Strengthen Your Small Business and register to the program here.

Each session will focus on key topics that matter most to business owners, including:

• Record keeping – 17 February 2026

• Claiming small business tax deductions – 19 February 2026

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) - 24 February 2026

• Cash flow for small business success – 3 March 2026

• Hiring & paying workers – 11 March 2026

• Super guarantee employer obligations – 17 March 2026

• eInvoicing – 25 March 2026

Are You The Next Top Tour Guide? 

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. With peak season underway, additional time has been provided for entries. Guides can submit a nomination now and complete the full submission once the busy period eases. Nominations open until 10th April. Submissions due 13th May.

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.

Top Tourism Town submissions are open

Top Tourism Town nominations are open until 26 February, with final submissions due by 25 March.

Introduction to Distillery Safety course

This accredited course provides essential safety training for individuals working in, or aspiring to work in, a distillery or brewery. It covers key safety requirements and responsibilities, emphasises the importance of following safety protocols, and highlights the potential consequences of non-compliance. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment for the unit of competency FBPWHS3001 Contribute to work health and safety processes.

Date: Tuesday 17th March 2026

Time: 8.15am to 4.15pm

Location: Five Barrels, 318 Keira St, Wollongong

Austrade's Accessing New Markets initiative

The Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI) is a $50 million program helping Australian businesses to diversify into new export markets, and capitalise on growth opportunities in established markets.

About the Trade Diversification Network

To deliver the Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI), a new Trade Diversification Network (TDN) has been set up. The network consists of 40 national peak industry bodies – representing Australian exporters.

In collaboration with Austrade, the TDN builds on and leverages the capabilities of national peak industry bodies, working hand in hand with government for a unified national effort.

Updated bush fire information from the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI)

With bushfires across the state, and several NSW wine regions facing smoke risk for the 2026 harvest, AWRI has provided updated information.

AWRI has provided background and the steps that should be taken if you think you may be impacted by smoke taint, including the key contacts for this summer. 

Business Illawarra's Red Tape Register

Calling all businesses in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven + Southern Highlands to share your examples of red tape! 

Business Illawarra wants to know about the red tape slowing your business down - what’s unnecessary, what’s unclear, and what’s costing you time or money. Business Illawarra want to here from you!

Access Austrade's Go Global toolkit

This handy online resource includes nformation, tools and support to grow your business globally.

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: Those Floating Saunas - Still in development

Regional snapshots

On the road with Kylie Bushby, Business Development Manager

It’s been another busy few weeks out and about across the region, connecting with operators, partners and industry leaders and hearing first-hand what’s happening on the ground.

I’ve loved spending time with a diverse mix of businesses and precincts including Those Floating Saunas, Jeff at Three Blue Ducks, Michelle at Expression Art Experiences, Tegan from Abergail Farm, Lenae at Motel Molly, Lorna and Honni at Holiday Haven, Lara from Woebegone Dive, Jewel at PepperGreen Estate, Sita from She Shapes History, and Katherine from Well Traveller.

Across our precincts and partnerships, I also met with Fleur and Kate from the Berry Uptown -Extend the weekend and the Shell Cove businesses and partners including The Waterfront Tavern, KAO Kreative, Shellharbour Marina, Those Floating Saunas, Frasers Property and Shellharbour Council.

Collaboration continues with the team and the wider support network too. Catching up with Coralie and Lisa from Business Illawarra, Ashleigh and the Team24 crew, Louisa from Great Southern Nights, Anthony from The Destination Agency, and the Wingecarribee Government Agency Network (including TAFE, DPIRD, AusIndustry, Investment NSW, Service NSW, RDASNA, ICN NSW, NSW Department of Education and Wingecarribee Shire Council).

On the capability-building front, I also attended the latest Destination NSW AI Webinar Series with Tourism Tribe and hosted our first DSSS Industry Insights webinar with Antony from Booking.com.

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  on LinkedIn and you'll also find us on Instagram.

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Talk soon, The DSSS team