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In a bold move that underscores New South Wales’ (NSW) commitment to revolutionizing its tourism industry, the 2024 Visitor Economy Forum will assemble the state’s brightest minds and influential voices at the ICC Sydney on Thursday, 3rd October. Themed ‘Experience NSW,’ this full-day event promises to inspire fresh strategies to transform the visitor economy through immersive, authentic experiences that connect tourists to NSW’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.

Now in its third edition, the NSW Visitor Economy Forum is rapidly becoming the state’s premier event for tourism industry stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators. With a keen focus on experience-based tourism, the 2024 forum reflects a broader shift towards more engaging, meaningful travel experiences that align with evolving visitor demands.

A New Chapter in NSW Tourism

John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, emphasized the forum’s pivotal role in shaping NSW’s future tourism landscape. “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,” Graham stated. “The 2024 Visitor Economy Forum will be a great opportunity to connect, share insights, and build strategies that will shape the future of our state’s visitor economy.”

The forum will bring together many speakers and participants, offering an unmissable opportunity to gather insights from industry leaders, share best practices, and forge collaborations to drive growth across the sector. Whether through immersive cultural experiences or eco-tourism initiatives, NSW sets a bold new course that reflects global travel trends.

Edwina Bartholomew – NSW Visitor Economy Forum.

Keynote Speaker Line-Up: Innovation Meets Authenticity

Edwina Bartholomew, Seven Network presenter and a key player in the NSW visitor economy as the owner of accommodation properties in regional NSW will host the event. With media expertise and first-hand industry experience, Bartholomew is poised to lead discussions that will help shape NSW’s future as a destination for experience tourism. “I am thrilled to be teaming up with Destination NSW to welcome partners from across the state to their forum in Sydney,” Bartholomew remarked.

Joining her on stage is Gus Balbontin, former Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer of Lonely Planet. Known for his innovative approach to business and technology, Balbontin brings a wealth of knowledge on human impact and the importance of authenticity in creating unforgettable visitor experiences. “Giving your customers an experience they will never forget is a certain way to drive innovation and stay relevant,” Balbontin said. “The pursuit will inevitably deliver uniqueness, authenticity, surprise, and delight.”

A Program Designed for Growth

The 2024 Visitor Economy Forum will feature in-depth sessions exploring emerging opportunities across NSW’s diverse tourism sectors. Attendees can participate in two ‘deep dive’ sessions, each targeting a critical growth area for the visitor economy. With six focused topics, participants can tailor their forum experience to suit their business goals:

International Market Insights: North Asia
International Market Insights: South East Asia and India
International Market Insights: Western Markets
Connecting with Visitors through Culture
Leveraging World-Class Events
The High-Yield Opportunity: Business Events and Corporate Travel

Steve Cox, CEO of Destination NSW, underscored the importance of this focus on immersive experiences. “Visitors to NSW want to know what locals love,” he explained. “They 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.”

The forum will also serve as a platform for unveiling Destination NSW’s upcoming initiatives to capitalise on the state’s potential as a world-class tourism destination. 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 of potential visitors.”

Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Opportunity

In addition to the insightful keynotes and panel discussions, the forum will provide invaluable networking opportunities for NSW tourism operators, industry representatives, and government stakeholders. With the NSW government’s renewed commitment to experience tourism, the forum is set to become a launchpad for innovative collaborations, potentially reshaping how visitors experience NSW for years to come.

The 2024 Visitor Economy Forum is free to attend and open to all stakeholders within the visitor economy, from operators and trade partners to industry representatives and government colleagues. However, spots are limited, and early registration is encouraged. For more details and to register, visit Destination NSW.

As the event draws near, the anticipation is growing for what promises to be an industry-defining gathering. The 2024 NSW Visitor Economy Forum is not just about talking trends; it’s about setting a bold vision for the future of tourism in the state, built on the foundation of authenticity, innovation, and cultural connection.