The opening of Western Sydney International Airport and the expansion of Newcastle Airport will transform access to NSW, creating new opportunities for visitor economy businesses to attract international travellers. Destination NSW is equipping these businesses to capitalise on the increased demand.

The annual Destination NSW New Product Workshop was attended by 23 visitor economy businesses – largely from regional NSW – giving them direct access to travel buyers including inbound tour operators, domestic wholesalers and online travel agents.

Enhanced airport access will open new pathways for international visitors to explore the Central West, Murray, Hunter, Southern Highlands, and North Coast regions, unlocking fresh opportunities for local visitor economy businesses.

The workshop, held at the Western Sydney Conference Centre in Penrith, highlighted a diverse range of new experiences set to attract international visitors, including:

  • 14 unique stays and experiences within 2.5 hours of Sydney
  • 9 regional accommodation options ideal for road trips
  • 9 visitor experiences near NSW cruise ports
  • Byron Bay’s first export-ready Aboriginal-owned and –operated experience.

Destination NSW Acting Chief Executive Karen Jones said:“The Destination NSW New Product Workshop equips visitor economy businesses with the tools and connections to succeed in international markets. With new gateways opening in Western Sydney and Newcastle, NSW is primed to welcome more global visitors, and this initiative ensures we have world-class, export-ready experiences to meet that demand.

“By connecting emerging tourism products with key travel distributors, we’re strengthening NSW’s position as Australia’s premier destination for unique stays, immersive experiences, and world-class food, wine, and culture.”

Hamish Keith, workshop participant and owner of Wilga Station, a 260-acre working sheep farm offering premium accommodation 12 minutes from Bathurst said: “We started this venture of becoming international ready due to the future opening of the Western Sydney International Airport and the opportunities it presents.

“We highly recommend the team at Destination NSW who supported us through every step of the process, helping us to refine our product. We made great connections on the day and look forward to converting those leads into bookings and promoting the Central West as a destination of choice.”

To help prepare businesses for the workshop, Destination NSW provided distribution development support through its NSW First capability-building program, including inbound strategy and seller training workshops, as well as one-to-one business advisory assistance.

The Destination NSW New Product Workshop is part of an ongoing program connecting NSW tourism operators with global distribution channels, helping businesses grow and reinforcing the state’s position as a must-visit destination.

For more information on the NSW First Program, click here.