Banner Image: Thredbo Resort, together with Disabled Wintersports Australia, offers the ultimate mountain experience for individuals of all ages with disabilities or adaptive needs. Thredbo, Snowy Mountains | Credit: Destination NSW
Message from the General Manager
As the pace of visitation eases in many parts of Southern NSW, winter provides an opportunity to step back and focus on the business itself.
Throughout this month's eNews, you'll see a common theme emerging. Whether it's understanding how AI is changing visitor behaviour, strengthening accessibility and sustainability practices, entering the tourism awards, or exploring new industry development opportunities, the focus is on preparing for the future and building stronger, more resilient tourism businesses.
One message that resonated strongly at recent industry events was that the most successful businesses are often those willing to make small, consistent improvements over time. The tourism awards provide a great example. While many operators see them as recognition programs, they are equally valuable as business development tools that encourage reflection, planning and continuous improvement.
At Destination Southern, capability building remains a key part of our role. Through workshops, development pathways, industry engagement and one-on-one support, we aim to help operators navigate change, identify opportunities and continue delivering the outstanding experiences that make Southern NSW such a compelling place to visit.
I encourage you to explore this month's updates, take advantage of the opportunities available, and reach out to the team if we can assist you on your journey.
Richard Everson
General Manager
Strategy | Advocacy | Capacity | Capability
Destination Southern - delivering the foundations of a strong visitor economy
Read on to discover insights and resources, including:
Destination Southern on the ground
Farewell and best wishes, Kalina Koloff
Welcome our new Business Support Officer, Maria Tate
New regional product highlights
Industry insights and resources
NSW Tourism Awards and Canberra Region Tourism Awards information
Training, development and networking opportunities
Who is Destination Southern?
Destination Southern is one of seven Destination Networks funded by the NSW Government to strengthen the visitor economy across Southern NSW. Guided by our Board and small regionally-based team, we focus on four key activities that deliver local and regional impact:
Whilst we provide strategy, advocacy and coordination, and build industry capacity and capability to support long-term visitor economy growth, consumer marketing is delivered by councils and Destination NSW.
On the Ground
Advocacy and coordination in action
Images: Jessica Bryden, Yass Valley Business Chamber Breakfast | 2026 Canberra Region Tourism Awards launch | Scott Baker, DPIRD, introducing the Circularity for Business workshop, Yass
Over the past month, the Destination Southern team has continued engaging with operators, industry partners and local business networks across Southern NSW, with a strong focus on helping businesses navigate change, build capability and identify opportunities for future growth.
Industry Development Manager Jessica Bryden recently attended the Yass Valley Business Chamber Breakfast alongside Destination Southern Director and local tourism operator Yasmin Coe. The event provided an opportunity to connect with local businesses, share information about Destination Southern initiatives and discuss the growing role of AI in tourism. Those conversations will continue at our upcoming Yass Southern Yarns event (22 June), which will explore how changing search behaviour and emerging technologies are shaping how visitors discover and choose destinations and experiences.
The team also attended the launch of the 2026 Canberra Region Tourism Awards, hosted by the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council. A key message from the event was that the awards are far more than a marketing opportunity. The process encourages operators to step back, review their business holistically and strengthen areas such as planning, visitor experience, operations and performance. We are looking forward to building on the success of the 2025 awards, which saw regional operators receive national recognition for their achievements.
Sustainability was another key focus during the month, with Jenny Robb and Richard Everson attending Circularity for Business workshops in Jindabyne and Yass. The workshops brought together businesses, government and industry representatives to explore practical approaches to reducing waste, improving efficiency and building long-term resilience through circular economy principles. The events were an inspiring collaboration between the Yass Valley Business Chamber, Yass Valley Council, The Regional Circularity Co-Operative and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Presentations from SOILCO and the Regional Circularity Co-Operative highlighted practical examples of sustainability in action and reinforced the important role sustainability plays in the future of the visitor economy.
Across these engagements, a consistent theme emerged: operators are looking for practical tools, useful connections and clear guidance to help them adapt to changing visitor expectations, embrace new opportunities and build stronger, more resilient businesses. Destination Southern remains committed to supporting operators through industry development, capability building and regional collaboration.
Board and team updates
Image: Kalina Koloff, NSW Small Business Commissioner and former Chair, Destination Southern.
Congratulations, Kalina
Destination Southern congratulates former Chair Kalina Koloff on her appointment as the new NSW Small Business Commissioner. Announced by Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin, Kalina commenced in the role on 25 May 2026 and will lead the Commission's work to support and advocate for small businesses across NSW.
Kalina joined the Destination Southern Board in 2022 and became Chair in July 2023. During her time with the organisation, she played a significant role in strengthening governance, risk management and strategic direction, while helping guide Destination Southern through a period of substantial growth and industry development. Her contribution extended beyond the organisation through her leadership within the broader Destination Network Chairs group, where she was highly regarded for her deep understanding of government, regional development and stakeholder engagement.
On behalf of the Board and team, we thank Kalina for her leadership, generosity and commitment to the visitor economy. While we are sorry to see her leave Destination Southern, we are excited to see the positive impact she will make in this important role and wish her every success as NSW's Small Business Commissioner.
Welcome to the team, Maria
Destination Southern is pleased to welcome Maria Tate to the team as our new Business Support Officer.
Based on the South Coast, Maria brings experience across communications, administration, event coordination, strategic planning and community engagement, with a strong interest in regional tourism and visitor experiences. Her background includes work with organisations and events such as Four Winds Concerts, Region X, No Worries Entertainment and the Cobargo Folk Festival, as well as her own marketing and design business.
In her role with Destination Southern, Maria will support coordinated communications across our core channels, including eNews, LinkedIn and website updates, and provide administrative and operational support to the team. Maria’s practical, human-centred design thinking approach and experience with regional operators, events and community-based organisations will be a valuable addition as we continue to support a strong and evolving visitor economy across Southern NSW.
Regional Highlights
Operator highlights across Southern NSW
Munjip Trail wins state award
Eurobodalla's Munjip Trail has been recognised at the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, taking out the Interpretation category for its innovative approach to sharing culture, history and connection to Country.
Stretching 18 kilometres along the coastline between Batehaven and Mackenzies Beach, the trail combines interpretive signage, creative installations and digital storytelling to create a unique visitor experience on Walbunja Yuin Country. The award recognises excellence in heritage interpretation and highlights the growing strength of Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences across Southern NSW.
Southern NSW towns shine in winter
Time Out has highlighted several Southern NSW destinations in its list of seven charming NSW towns perfect for a winter escape, including Yass, Braidwood and Tilba Tilba.
From heritage streets, boutique shopping and wineries to galleries, mountain walks and cosy pubs, the feature showcases the experiences that make Southern NSW an appealing destination during the cooler months.
Read the article for travel inspiration and ideas for your next regional getaway.
Would you like to share your new product, experience or event? Contact your Industry Development Manager to learn more.
Industry Insights
Sector trends, insights & business implications
This section brings together key updates from across the visitor economy, including research, events and broader industry developments. The insights highlight what’s changing and what it could mean for your business as you plan for the months ahead.
New bi-monthly tourism forum
Australian Regional Tourism Ltd (ART) has launched a new bi-monthly Local Government Tourism Forum, bringing together council tourism professionals from across Australia to share ideas, discuss challenges and strengthen collaboration. While designed for local government, the forum will explore many of the issues impacting tourism operators, including destination management, infrastructure, workforce, events, sustainability and visitor servicing.
Accessibility made easier
AccessibleOz and Sparrowly Group have partnered to launch AccessA, a new accessibility intelligence platform. AccessA is designed to help tourism businesses better understand, improve and communicate accessibility within their operations. The platform includes a structured self-assessment, tailored improvement recommendations and tools to help businesses confidently share accessibility information with visitors. Its focus on "progress, not perfection" makes accessibility improvements more achievable for operators at any stage of their journey.
Boost for Aboriginal tourism
A $3.6 million investment from the Australian and NSW Governments will support the growth of Aboriginal tourism experiences and events across NSW through the NSW Aboriginal Visitor Experience Accelerator. The program will support Aboriginal tourism businesses in accessing trade events, conferences and industry development opportunities, helping to showcase more Aboriginal-led visitor experiences across the state.
Investing in quality
The Australian Tourism Industry Council has welcomed a two-year extension of funding for the Quality Tourism Framework, which supports tourism businesses in strengthening sustainability, accessibility and emissions-reduction practices. More than 7,000 tourism businesses across Australia have already participated in the program. For regional operators, the framework provides practical tools to improve business resilience, build visitor confidence and respond to growing demand for sustainable and accessible travel experiences.
Wellness tourism is growing
New research from the Global Wellness Institute shows Australia is now the world's fifth-largest wellness tourism market. As demand continues to grow, wellness experiences are expanding beyond traditional retreats to include nature-based experiences, mindfulness, movement, food, wellbeing and connection to place. For regional operators, the trend highlights opportunities to incorporate wellness elements into existing tourism experiences and products.
Oysters on the rise
A new $14.3 million investment in NSW aquaculture will support growth and innovation across the oyster industry, including projects in the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla regions. For tourism operators, the investment creates new opportunities to showcase premium local produce through food tourism and visitor experiences, while reinforcing the South Coast's reputation as a leading food and drink destination.
Visitor Economy Forum and Tourism Awards unite
The NSW Visitor Economy Forum will return on 9 November 2026, joining with the NSW Tourism Awards for the first time to create a major new gathering for the state's visitor economy.
Hosted by Destination NSW and free to attend, the forum will bring together industry and government representatives from across NSW, ahead of the evening's NSW Tourism Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation across the tourism industry.
National data provides context, noting that local conditions may vary across subregions.
Upskill & Connect
Strengthening operator capability
Southern Yarns | Demystifying AI
Join the Destination Southern Board and team in Yass for the next Southern Yarns event, exploring how AI and changing search behaviour are influencing the way visitors discover destinations, experiences and tourism businesses.
Designed specifically for tourism and hospitality operators, the session will focus on practical insights rather than technical expertise, helping businesses understand what is changing and where to find reliable tourism-specific resources and support.
The evening will also include updates from Yass Valley Council, opportunities to connect with industry colleagues and time to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the visitor economy.
Destination NSW is hosting a free webinar on delivering more inclusive and accessible events, covering topics such as universal design, inclusive customer service and event planning.
18 June 2026, 10.30 - 11.30am | Register your interest here
Opportunities to Grow
Business growth, awards and funding opportunities
Advance Program
Applications are now open for Tourism Australia's Advance Program 2026/27, providing financial support for industry-led projects that increase international business event activity and delegate attendance in Australia.
The program supports innovative initiatives that help attract new international business events or grow participation in events already secured for Australia. Eligible projects must be delivered by 30 June 2027.
Applications close Tuesday 30 June 2026 | Find out more here
If you've been thinking about entering, now is the time to put your hand up. For both programs, getting started is simple. Choose your category, register your business, pay the entry fee and you're in. From there, workshops, mentoring and support activities continue throughout winter before submissions are due.
The awards are much more than a marketing opportunity. The process encourages operators to step back, review their business, strengthen planning, refine visitor experiences and benchmark against industry peers. For many operators, it also provides a valuable opportunity to work on the business, not just in it.
Operators located within the Canberra Region Tourism Awards boundary, including businesses in Yass Valley and Queanbeyan-Palerang, will enter the Canberra Region Tourism Awards program. All other eligible businesses across Southern NSW will enter the NSW Tourism Awards program.
Destination Southern strongly encourages operators to consider entering, regardless of business size or previous awards experience. Our team is available to provide one-on-one support throughout the process.
Nomination closing dates:
NSW Awards: Friday 12 June 2026 | Find out more here
Canberra Region Awards: Friday 31 July 2026 | Find out more here
Contact your Industry Development Manager to discuss support options:
Destination Southern NSW acknowledges the many Aboriginal Nations and Aboriginal People of the Southern NSW 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, present and emerging. Destination Southern NSW 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.
Destination Southern NSW Ltd is supported by the NSW Government and Destination NSW
Destination Southern, PO Box 1025, Goulburn, NSW 2580, Australia
