The 2026 North Coast Tourism Symposium and Regional Tourism Awards will be delivered across three premier Coffs Coast venues from 29-30 July, bringing the region’s tourism industry together for connection, inspiration and celebration. The program begins with an evening Welcome Event at the iconic Big Banana Fun Park on 29 July, followed by a full-day Symposium at Aanuka Beach House and the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards and Gala evening at Pacific Bay Resort on 30 July.
We invite you to explore the event details below and join us for two days of industry leadership, collaboration and excellence on the North Coast.
2026 North Coast Tourism Symposium
The 2026 North Coast Tourism Symposium, being hosted in Coffs Harbour at Aanuka Beach House on Thursday 30 July, is a full-day conference where industry leaders will gather to celebrate and showcase the innovative, entrepreneurial, and sustainable practices that are actively transforming our visitor economy for future success.
This year’s Symposium, themed “From Vision to Visitor Ready: Distinctive Places, Shared Future” is designed to both inform and inspire, providing industry-leading insights, actionable strategies aligned with the NSW Visitor Economy 2035, and meaningful networking opportunities.
This year’s Symposium draft program can be found HERE
Tickets are now available for purchase HERE
Download a Justification Letter to support your attendance HERE
Symposium Accommodation Discounts
We are pleased to pass along accommodation discounts for the event via our accommodation partners below:
Pacific Bay Resort
15% off Room Only and Bed & Breakfast rates using code NCTA2026 for stays from 28–31 July 2026. Subject to availability at time of booking.
Holiday Coffs Coast
Apply the promo code NCTOURISM to receive 10% discount across any of our properties for stays between 22 July 2026 and 5 August 2026, with a minimum stay of two nights.
Coffs Coast Accommodation
10% off stays of 2 nights or more
The Observatory Apartments
Use code NCTA2026 to receive 15% off stays of 2 nights or more
Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park
Use code NCTA2026 to receive 20% off
BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort
Receive 10% discount on best available rate. Call (02) 66527555 or email Aanuka.res@breakfree.com.au
2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards & Gala
The North Coast Regional Tourism Awards & Gala remains the premier event celebrating excellence in regional NSW, recognising operators and destinations that are shaping the future of the visitor economy. More than just an awards night, the event serves as a catalyst for industry evolution, highlighting innovation, adaptability and forward-thinking approaches to tourism.
Facilitated by NSW Tourism Association, the 2026 Awards and Gala event will take place on Thursday 30 July at Pacific Bay Resort from 6pm.
The Awards feature 18 categories that align with the NSW Tourism Awards and Australian Tourism Awards, plus a new category that celebrates individuals who have delivered Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism.
Nominations for the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards open on Monday 9 March. For further information, including key dates, entry guidelines and entrant support resources, please visit the NSW Tourism Association Awards webpage or download the Awards FAQ.
Event images
With thanks to all our guest – please enjoy a gallery of images from the 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium and Regional Tourism Awards Gala with thanks to Ann-Louis from Possum Creek Studios.