Banner Image: Couple enjoying a day of cherry picking at Ballinaclash Food and Wine, Young | Credit Destination NSW
Message from the General Manager
As we move into the quieter winter period, many operators across Southern NSW are taking the opportunity to step back, review their businesses, refine operations and plan for the months ahead.
The Destination Southern Board and team recently visited the Hilltops region for a Board meeting and industry engagement, spending time with operators and local stakeholders across Boorowa, Murringo and Young. What stood out throughout the visit was a strong sense of local pride, collaboration and practical optimism, with businesses focused on identifying opportunities despite continued cost-of-living pressures and changing travel behaviour.
One discussion gaining traction across the industry is the importance of continuing to strengthen the ACT market. With strong visitor yield, close proximity and growing electric vehicle adoption, the ACT presents an important opportunity for Southern NSW operators, particularly those offering accessible short-break and drive experiences.
This quieter period also provides a valuable opportunity for operators to review business foundations, update operational systems and consider award programs such as the NSW Tourism Awards and the Canberra Region Tourism Awards. Both these programs are open for nominations. Read on to find out more.
Beyond recognition, awards programs can help you refine your customer experience, business planning, marketing, sustainability and operational processes.
As we continue working across the region, collaboration, adaptability and strong local leadership remain central to supporting a resilient, competitive visitor economy across Southern NSW.
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
Business Support Officer position
New regional product highlights
Industry data, resources and insights
NSW Tourism Awards and Canberra Region Tourism Awards information
Training and funding 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
Snow Summit: Richard Everson and the Hon. Kristy McBain | Panel: Kirsten Alexander - CEO, Mansfield Shire Council, Olivia West - CEO, RDA Southern NSW & ACT, Michelle Lovell - President, Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce & Richard Everson
Thrive 2026: Destination Southern Director Olivier Kapetanakos, Chair Kalina Koloff, GM Richard Everson and Tash Maguire - Image credit RDA Southern NSW & ACT
Destination Southern Hilltops visit | Southern Yarns at Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellar Door
At the end of April, the Destination Southern Board and team travelled through the Hilltops region, visiting operators and stakeholders across Boorowa, Murringo and Young as part of regional engagement activities and Board meetings.
The visit highlighted the diversity of experiences across the region and the important role tourism operators play in bringing regional stories, heritage and communities to life for visitors. In Boorowa, the team explored the town’s strong Irish heritage and autumn landscapes before travelling to Murringo Barracks, where the careful restoration of the historic property shows how quality investment and attention to detail can shape memorable visitor experiences.
In Young, the team visited the Hilltops Visitor Information Centre in the historic railway station, which showcases local produce and arts and crafts from across the region.
The visit concluded with a Southern Yarns industry event hosted by Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellar Door in partnership with Hilltops Council, bringing together around 30 local operators for conversation and networking. Discussions included regional opportunities, the upcoming Hilltops Region Strategy and the growing influence of AI on travel planning and visitor discovery.
The following week, Destination Southern General Manager, Richard Everson, attended the 2026 Snow Summit at Thredbo, joining industry leaders, government and regional stakeholders for discussions on the future of Australia’s snow industry and regional visitor economy. Richard also moderated the panel session Beyond the Mountains: Snow, Communities and Regional Prosperity, exploring the role of alpine tourism in supporting regional jobs, infrastructure, resilience and long-term prosperity across surrounding communities.
Destination Southern team and Board members also attended RDA Southern NSW & ACT’s Thrive 2026 event in Canberra, which brought together government, industry and community leaders to explore the interconnected challenges and opportunities shaping the Southern NSW and ACT region. Throughout the event, the importance of coordination across workforce, housing, infrastructure and investment systems was continuously highlighted, along with the critical role collaboration plays in supporting long-term regional prosperity.
We’re hiring: Business Support Officer
Destination Southern is seeking a highly organised and proactive Business Support Officer to support communications and day-to-day operations across the organisation.
The casual role will assist with coordinating communications across key channels, including the monthly industry e-news, LinkedIn and website updates, while also providing broader administrative and operational support to the team. Based in Southern NSW, the position offers a flexible hybrid arrangement of approximately 32 hours per month.
This opportunity would suit someone with strong attention to detail, excellent written communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. An interest in the visitor economy and regional tourism will be highly regarded.
Applications close Sunday 17 May 2026 | Find out more and apply here
Congratulations to Twofold Aboriginal Corporation on the official opening of Jigamy Campground, a significant milestone for the community. Developed to support cultural tourism, the site offers a unique opportunity to connect with Country, learn from local Aboriginal culture, and experience the natural environment in a peaceful, welcoming, and community-led setting.
Thredbo Ambassador Maddie Lloyd testing Thredbo's new jumps line | Credit: Thredbo Resort
Thredbo Resort launches new MTB trails
Thredbo Resort is expanding its gravity trail network offering with two new trails for 2026/27: a steep, technical double black downhill track from the Merritts Gondola, and its longest-ever intermediate jumps line. These new trails cement Thredbo’s position as a leader in progression and performance - delivering more challenge, more airtime and setting a new benchmark for mountain biking in Australia.
Congratulations to Elevation Parks on the downhill track build and Thredbo Trail Crew on the jumps trail, alongside Thredbo MTB Business Manager, Tim Windshuttle, Operations Manager, Daniel Taliana and to the greater MTB and Mountain Operations team.
Dean and Sam enjoying a drink at Bar Something | Credit: Taylah Cunningham
Bar Something | Moruya
Bar Something is a neighbourhood wine bar in Moruya, grounded in thoughtful hospitality, considered drinks, and an easy sense of place. With a curated list of independent wines and a menu made for sharing, it’s somewhere to settle in and stay a little longer.
Congratulations to creators Bloss, Fergus and Mathew, who can’t wait to welcome you to their new venue!
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.
There’s more at stake than fuel
Australian Regional Tourism Ltd (ART) has launched a national campaign highlighting the impact of rising fuel costs on regional communities and visitor economies. For many regional towns, tourism supports local businesses, jobs and livelihoods, making continued visitation critically important. The campaign encourages industry to share local stories, support the advocacy movement and encourage future travel to regional Australia when the time is right.
Tourism EV resource
A guide to installing EV chargers and supporting electric vehicle tourists has been released. While written for Tasmanian-based operators, the resource provides great tips and information for operators regardless of their location.
Staycations beat flowers
Research from the Tourism & Transport Forum shows 78 per cent of Australian mums would prefer a staycation or holiday over traditional Mother’s Day gifts. Could a simple Mother’s Day package, late checkout, local add-on or experience bundle help accommodation providers turn a quiet weekend into a booking opportunity?
Electric Vehicle Strategy
The 2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy has been released to help reduce emissions and make EVs and their cost-of-living benefits accessible to more people. The strategy focuses on closing charging gaps in regional areas, particularly relevant for regional tourism operators, and developing a skilled EV workforce.
Visitors love a good story
The NSW Government has launched the state’s first Heritage Strategy, focused on protecting and celebrating heritage across NSW while supporting adaptive reuse and conservation.
For tourism operators, heritage and storytelling remain powerful tools for creating experiences that feel authentic, memorable and connected to place.
Know your international guests
Tourism Research Australia has released new international market profiles that include insights into visitor demographics, travel purpose, activities, trip satisfaction and market trends across Australia’s key inbound visitor markets. For tourism operators, the data provides a useful opportunity to better understand international visitors' interests and identify ways to refine products, experiences and marketing for future growth.
Free breaky wins bookings
Flight Centre Corporate Traveller 2026 booking data has revealed that complimentary breakfast ranks second on business travellers’ lists when booking accommodation. Location comes first.
While you may not be able to change your location, have you considered adding a complimentary breakfast to your guest offering?
National data provides context, noting that local conditions may vary across subregions.
Upskill & Connect
Strengthening operator capability
Introduction to Distillery / Brewery Safety
An accredited Introduction to Distillery/Brewery Safety course is being held at the Tathra Hotel on Monday, 25 May 2026. Designed for people working in or looking to work in distilleries and breweries, the course covers essential safety responsibilities, risk management, hazardous areas, dangerous goods and work health and safety processes.
Deadline Monday, 11 May 2026 | Register your interest here
Outdoor Industry MasterClass
The 2026 Outdoor Industry MasterClass will be held in Woollamia (Jervis Bay) on 15–16 July 2026, bringing together owners, operators, senior managers and emerging leaders from across the outdoor industry. Focused on long-term growth, the program will explore leadership, strategy and business capabilities, alongside key topics such as automation, AI, cybersecurity and marketing in a rapidly changing environment.
Austrade and Wine Australia have released a webinar recording exploring wine export opportunities across Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. The session includes market updates, consumer trends, regulatory considerations, distribution channels and strategic guidance for wineries looking to strengthen their presence in these markets.
The webinar is targeted to wine businesses exploring international growth opportunities or wanting to better understand changing export conditions across key Asian markets.
The Outdoor Industry Awards NSW & ACT recognise outstanding contributions across the outdoor industry, including adventure tourism. The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate excellence, strengthen industry visibility and recognise operators helping shape the future of outdoor experiences across the region.
Applications close Sunday 10 May 2026 | Find out more here
Regional NSW Community Bands Program
The Regional NSW Community Bands Program offers quick response grants of up to $2,500 to support community concert bands, brass bands and string ensembles across regional NSW. Funding can assist with skill development, equipment, travel and performance activities, helping strengthen local participation and access to music.
Applications close Tuesday 19 May 2026 (2pm) | Find out more here
Local Priorities
Supports grassroots community organisations in expanding or establishing activities that improve wellbeing and participation. Grants from $10,000 to $100,000 are available to support equipment, minor infrastructure, programs and new initiatives.
Applications close Friday 22 May 2026 | Find out more here
NSW Tourism Awards 2026 | Nominations open
Nominations are now open for the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards and the Canberra Region Tourism Awards, recognising excellence, innovation and leadership across the visitor economy. Both award programs span a broad range of categories, including accommodation, attractions, events, food and beverage, tours and visitor experiences.
Beyond recognition and marketing exposure, awards provide an opportunity for businesses to review performance, strengthen business foundations and benchmark against industry peers. Enhanced entrant support is available this year, including webinars and draft reviews.
Operators within the Canberra Region boundary are required to enter the Canberra Region Tourism Awards. All other eligible businesses across Southern NSW will enter the NSW Tourism Awards.
Destination Southern encourages operators across the region 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:
Entries are now open for the 2026 Event Awards, recognising excellence across Australia’s events industry. Categories span a wide range of event and supplier areas, including regional events, cultural and music events, destination marketing, event services, event management and tourism-related experiences.
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 NSW, PO Box 1025, Goulburn, NSW 2580, Australia
