Wagga Wagga Triumphs at 2025 NSW Tourism Awards: Gold for Innovation and Excellence, Highlighting Major Growth in Australian Tourism

Published on December 9, 2025

The City of Wagga Wagga has been honored at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards for its outstanding innovation and dedication to the tourism industry. The city was awarded gold in the Local Government Award for Tourism, further solidifying its position as a leader in tourism planning and development. In addition, the city was named a finalist in the Major Events and Festivals category for the Festival of W 2024, a significant achievement that highlights the growing prominence of Wagga Wagga as a key destination for both tourism and events.

Cassandra Farquharson, Council’s Destination and Events Coordinator, expressed pride in the city’s accomplishments, emphasizing that the recognition serves as a reflection of the city’s leadership in tourism and its continued commitment to excellence. Farquharson acknowledged the contributions of the passionate tourism industry operators who work closely with the city to develop innovative and engaging visitor experiences.

Recognition of Excellence in Tourism

The NSW Tourism Awards are the highest accolade for tourism operators, events, and organizations in the state, recognizing those who set new standards for visitor experience and industry excellence. This year, the awards received a record-breaking 230 nominations, with 125 finalists selected across 30 competitive categories. Wagga Wagga’s achievements in the tourism industry are a testament to the region’s growing strength and momentum.

Far from being just a symbol of achievement, the recognition also underscores the city’s broader vision for tourism development. The newly endorsed Wagga Wagga Destination Management Plan 2025–2034 played a pivotal role in securing the gold award for Local Government Award for Tourism. This comprehensive plan aims to increase annual visitation to the region to 1.55 million by 2035, marking a 350,000 increase in visitors. The plan is centered on fostering growth through a series of strategic actions, including attracting more visitors, expanding tourism infrastructure, and enhancing the city’s reputation as a must-visit destination.

Festival of W 2024: A Key Driver of Growth

One of the standout events contributing to Wagga Wagga’s tourism success is the Festival of W. Held in 2024, the festival welcomed more than 100,000 attendees, with a significant portion (30%) traveling from outside the region. As one of the largest destination events in Wagga Wagga, Festival of W plays a crucial role in driving the city’s tourism growth. The event not only attracts tourists to the area but also acts as a catalyst for expanding the city’s profile as a top-tier event destination. This success has also spurred future plans to continue promoting such major events, making them integral to the region’s long-term tourism strategy.

The Festival of W 2024’s record attendance further reinforces the city’s ability to host large-scale events that captivate audiences and bring diverse visitors to the region. With continued support from the local community and the backing of the Wagga Wagga Destination Management Plan, the festival is set to remain a key pillar of the city’s tourism offering.

Recognition for Local Tourism Partners

In addition to the city’s gold award for the Local Government Award for Tourism, several of Wagga Wagga’s local tourism partners also received prestigious recognition. The Silos Accommodation, a popular local business, won gold in the New Tourism Business category and will now represent New South Wales at the Australian Tourism Awards in March 2026. This achievement reflects the growing appeal of local accommodations that offer unique and high-quality services for visitors.

Kestrel Nest Eco Hut also received silver in the Ecotourism category, underscoring the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. As the eco-tourism sector continues to grow, businesses like Kestrel Nest Eco Hut play a vital role in attracting environmentally conscious travelers looking for authentic, nature-based experiences. Additionally, Wagga Wagga-based Bundyi Cultural Tours earned silver in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences award category, further highlighting the city’s efforts to offer culturally rich experiences for visitors. The recognition of these businesses speaks volumes about the diverse and innovative tourism experiences offered throughout Wagga Wagga and its surrounding areas.

The Economic Impact of Tourism

The recognition at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards underscores the vital role that tourism plays in the region’s economy. Tourism is a significant contributor to the local economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating revenue that benefits local businesses. As the city’s tourism sector continues to thrive, the importance of events like the NSW Tourism Awards becomes more apparent in demonstrating the strength and resilience of Wagga Wagga’s tourism industry.

Wagga Wagga’s tourism successes also reflect broader trends in regional tourism, where destinations outside major metropolitan areas are becoming increasingly popular with visitors. By focusing on sustainable development, promoting local attractions, and offering unique cultural experiences, Wagga Wagga has successfully positioned itself as a key player in the tourism industry.

Looking to the Future

As Wagga Wagga looks to the future, the ongoing commitment to tourism development and innovation remains a key priority. The success of the city and its tourism operators at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards is just the beginning, with the Destination Management Plan 2025–2034 providing a clear framework for continued growth. Through the continued nurturing of local businesses, development of major events, and commitment to sustainability, Wagga Wagga is poised to become a leading destination for both local and international visitors.

By fostering a vibrant and innovative tourism ecosystem, Wagga Wagga aims to maintain its position as a top-tier destination in New South Wales, drawing in tourists from across the country and beyond. As the city continues to evolve, the recognition it has received at the NSW Tourism Awards serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of its tourism operators and the local government’s leadership in fostering a thriving tourism economy.

[Image Credit: City of Wagga Wagga]