Destination NSW Unveils Free Resources to Help Outdoor Businesses Capture the Tourism Market

A goldmine of opportunities awaits outdoor businesses ready to expand into tourism markets, as revealed in this information-packed forum featuring Destination NSW's Sandy Wilkins. For operators seeking to diversify revenue streams or navigate seasonal fluctuations, the NSW First program offers a comprehensive framework of free support to develop, promote, and sell experiences to visitors.

The secret to success? It's about understanding where your business sits on the tourism journey. Whether you're just starting out or ready to tackle international markets, the program provides targeted workshops, resources, and one-on-one mentoring tailored to your specific stage. From the upcoming Experience Development Workshops being held across NSW to sustainability assessments through Ecotourism Australia partnerships, everything is designed to build your capability without financial barriers.

Most surprising is the revelation about wellness tourism opportunities. While many associate wellness with spas and retreats, a massive 86% of wellness travelers seek "secondary wellness" experiences – mainstream activities with wellness elements incorporated. For outdoor operators, this represents a significant market alignment with minimal adaptation required.

The discussion also highlights critical industry updates, including equipment recalls for specific Black Diamond and Petzl harnesses, consultation opportunities for the PASS elective curriculum (now mentioning outdoor education), and details about the upcoming Outdoor Summit in Canberra (July 8-11).

Ready to transform your outdoor business and tap into tourism markets? Start by exploring the NSW First resources at destinationnsw.com.au/nswfirst and ensure your business is listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse for maximum visibility across thousands of websites nationwide.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome and Acknowledgment
• 3:22 Upcoming Events and Recalls
• 7:17 Professional Development Opportunities
• 11:10 Outdoor Industry Advocacy Updates
• 13:40 The Outdoor Summit in Canberra
• 19:10 Destination NSW Tourism Support
• 25:45 Experience Development Workshops
• 32:41 Tourism Partner Programs
• 37:39 Questions and Open Discussion