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Industry leaders, experts and stakeholders will gather for the 2024 Visitor Economy Forum at the ICC Sydney on Thursday 3rd October with a program focused on the theme ‘Experience NSW’.

Now in its third year, the full-day event will inspire fresh thinking by recognising that visitors are increasingly seeking authentic, interactive experiences that enable them to connect with local culture, natural landscapes and vibrant communities when travelling.

As the NSW Government steers a new policy direction towards experience tourism, the event will discuss the latest trends, strategies and visitor experiences that will accelerate sector growth in the coming years.

News presenter for the Seven Network and regional NSW accommodation business owner, Edwina Bartholomew will host this year’s forum, bringing a unique blend of media expertise and industry experience.

Attendees will also hear from former Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer of Lonely Planet, Gus Balbontin who describes himself as an investor, advisor, adventurer and alternative futurist. Gus enjoys sharing stories about focusing on human impact, adaptability and embracing authenticity.

Looking forward to the Forum, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham stated “as the government puts experience tourism at the centre of our forthcoming Visitor Economy Strategy, it’s an important moment to bring the industry together.

“The 2024 Visitor Economy Forum will be a great opportunity to connect, share insights and strategies to shape the future and grow the industry.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive, Steve Cox noted “as the lead agency, champion and voice of the NSW visitor economy, Destination NSW is focused on developing rich, immersive experiences across the state that meet the demand and expectation from potential visitors.

“Visitors to NSW want to know what locals love and have a strong desire to delve into experiences that enrich their lives, leaving them with an impression that makes them want to come back for more.

“This is an exciting time for the NSW visitor economy, and we look forward to welcoming attendees to our forum next month. We hope everyone will leave feeling energised and inspired by new ways to grow their business and elevate the NSW visitor experience.”

Bartholomew. who owns Warramba in Capertee Valley and is currently building a boutique hotel in Carcoar, added "I am absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with Destination NSW to welcome partners from across the state to their forum in Sydney.

"As a passionate business owner in the NSW visitor economy, I can't wait to lead discussions on what is next for our state and help identify future opportunities.

"There is no better state in Australia to visit and promote. I look forward to exploring everything NSW has to offer at the Destination NSW conference in October.”

Following talks from keynote speakers, attendees will have an opportunity to select two deep dive sessions, exploring specific growth opportunities for local visitor economies. There are six topics for attendees to choose from:

• International market insights: North Asia
• International market insights: South East Asia and India
• International market insights: Western
• Connecting with visitors through culture
• Leveraging world-class events
• The high-yield opportunity: business events and corporate travel.

The 2024 Visitor Economy Forum is free to attend and open to all visitor economy stakeholders including operators, trade partners, industry representatives and government colleagues.

Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the lead agency, champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions for Sydney and regional NSW.

Click here for more information on the 2024 NSW Visitor Economy Forum in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Scenic World Blue Mountains.

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