NARRABRI Shire will host this year’s Visitor Experiences Summit on March 10-11, bringing together tourism and visitor experience operators from across country and outback New South Wales for invaluable learning and networking opportunities.

Hosted by Destination Country and Outback NSW, the state’s largest destination network covering 45 per cent of NSW, the summit rotates locations each year, allowing delegates to experience a fully immersive 24-hour itinerary in the host region.

Previous summits have been held in Dubbo, Tamworth and Armidale.

Narrabri Shire mayor, Darrell Tiemens, said Narrabri was honoured to welcome the event to the region.

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

“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 summit will focus on the social impact of tourism, featuring data insights, case studies, keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops.

Cr Tiemens said Narrabri’s location and natural assets make it a compelling 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.”

Mount Kaputar Doug Sky look-out, near Narrabri (Image: Andrew Pearson).

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

Narrabri Shire Council general manager, Elosie Chaplain, said these figures reflect the strength of the region’s evolving tourism offering.

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

This year’s summit will also welcome Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones, who will host the opening fireside chat on Tuesday, March 10.

Running from 1pm Tuesday, March 10 to 1pm Wednesday, March 11, the summit includes networking drinks and a product showcase event featuring locally made goods and regional suppliers.

Cr Tiemens encouraged local tourism operators, retailers and hospitality businesses to take advantage of the opportunity.

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

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

2026 DNCO Visitor Experiences Summit

When: March 10-11

Where: The Lodge, 47 Maitland Street Narrabri

Time: From 1pm March 10 to 1pm March 11

Tickets and more information at Narrabri Visitor Experiences Summit.