Narrabri Shire in the spotlight as annual tourism summit host

Narrabri Shire will welcome tourism operators and industry leaders from across regional New South Wales when it hosts this year’s Visitor Experiences Summit.

The annual event, organised by Destination Country and Outback NSW, brings together tourism and visitor experience operators from across Country and Outback NSW for professional development and networking.

The organisation is the state’s largest destination network, covering 45 per cent of NSW.

The summit rotates between regional centres each year, giving delegates the opportunity to take part in a 24-hour immersive itinerary in the host community. Previous events have been staged in Dubbo, Tamworth and Armidale.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the shire was proud to host the 2026 event.

“Narrabri Shire is incredibly proud to host this year’s Visitor Experiences Summit and to showcase everything our region has to offer”.

“Tourism plays an important role in our local economy, supporting around 300 jobs – which represents 4.3 per cent of total employment in our LGA.”

This year’s program will centre on the social impact of tourism, with sessions including data insights, case studies, keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops.

Cr Tiemens said the region’s location at the junction of two major highways, along with its natural attractions, made it an increasingly appealing destination.

“As a busy crossroads of two major highways, Narrabri welcomes thousands of travellers each year – many of whom are discovering there’s far more here than just a stopover,” he said.

“With Mount Kaputar National Park on our doorstep and the Pilliga stretching to our south-west, we are blessed with a unique blend of natural landscapes, culture and community that visitors are increasingly seeking out”.

Recent data shows visitor expenditure and length of stay have risen since 2021, with domestic overnight visitors staying on average one additional night and increasing their expenditure from $250 to $313.

General manager Elosie Chaplain said the figures highlighted the growth of the local tourism sector.

“The growth in visitation and visitor spend demonstrates the increasing quality and diversity of our hospitality and accommodation sector,” she said.

“Events like the Visitor Experiences Summit provide a valuable opportunity for local operators to connect, collaborate and continue building a strong and sustainable visitor economy”.

The summit, being held at The Lodge, will also feature an opening fireside chat hosted by Karen Jones, chief executive officer of Destination NSW, on Tuesday, March 10.

Running from 1pm on Tuesday, March 10 through to 1pm on Wednesday, March 11, the event will include networking drinks and a product showcase highlighting locally made goods and regional suppliers.

Cr Tiemens encouraged local tourism operators, retailers and hospitality businesses to get involved.

“This is a fantastic chance for our local businesses to shine and showcase the innovation, creativity and warm hospitality that defines Narrabri Shire”.

“We look forward to welcoming industry leaders and delegates to our region and demonstrating why Narrabri continues to grow as a destination of choice”.