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Newcastle, Port Stephens included in NSW sports tourism push worth $275 million
newy.com.au – Newcastle and Port Stephens feature in the NSW Government’s 2026 major sporting events calendar, which is projected to attract more than 280,000 visitors to NSW and inject more than $275 million into the state’s visitor economy.
The Hunter region was included in a list of 34 events supported by Destination NSW for 2026, with the WSL Newcastle Surfest Challenger Series and Sail Port Stephens named among the sporting events backed by the state.
The government said the calendar would drive visitation, support local businesses and generate economic activity across Sydney and regional NSW, with Sydney to host 11 matches in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, including two quarter-finals, a semi-final, the final and a Matildas group match on Sunday, March 8.
The Women’s Asian Cup was highlighted as part of a broader sports tourism push in 2026, which also includes events such as State of Origin, the NRL Grand Final, the Bledisloe Cup, the Bathurst 1000, the Rugby League World Cup and the TCS Sydney Marathon.
The government pointed to a new World Economic Forum report identifying sports tourism as the fastest-growing segment of the global tourism industry, and Expedia Group research showing sports-related travel extends beyond host cities, with longer-stay travellers spending an average of more than $2500 across their trips.
NSW’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 identifies major events as a way to drive year-round visitation, support businesses and jobs, and stimulate regional growth.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said sporting events were increasingly shaping travel decisions and keeping visitors in NSW for longer.
“Sporting events are sparking the decision to travel, but fans are staying long after the final whistle blows, immersing themselves in experiences across the state. Sports tourism doesn’t just fill stadiums; it fills hotels, restaurants, pubs and theatres, supporting thousands of businesses and jobs that rely on year-round tourism.”
