The NSW Visitor Economy Forum and NSW Tourism Awards are coming together for the first time in what’s being called the premier tourism industry gathering of the year
Staged on November 9 at ICC Sydney and hosted by Destination NSW, the free daytime forum will be open to all visitor economy stakeholders from industry and government.
That will be followed by the NSW Tourism Awards, presented by the NSW Tourism Association, which has celebrated excellence across the state’s tourism industry for more than 40 years.
Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, said the combined event would ensure more stakeholders benefited from both occasions.
“It will be the premier tourism industry gathering of the year and I encourage operators, experiences and destinations from our regional communities and vibrant cities to save the date,” Mr Kamper said.
Karen Jones, Destination NSW CEO, said the state’s Visitor Economy Strategy had a bold target of growing visitor expenditure to $91 billion over the next decade.
“Aligning the NSW Visitor Economy Forum with the NSW Tourism Awards will create an enhanced opportunity for industry, government and partners to connect with each other and share ideas as we strive to achieve the Strategy’s goals,” Ms Jones said.
Natalie Godward, NSW Tourism Association CEO, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to a strong, connected and future-focused visitor economy.
“It gives operators the opportunity to participate in a full day of thought leadership, networking and industry insight before coming together to recognise and celebrate excellence at the NSW Tourism Awards,” Ms Godward said.
Nominations for the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards close June 12.
Main image: Natalie Godward (left) and Karen Jones
