WITH ongoing concern over the impact of the fuel crisis on regional tourism, sporting events continue to have strong attendances, providing a much-needed uptick in visitation.

Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson attended the 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games in Tamworth at the weekend, which brought close to 1000 junior athletes from across NSW to Tamworth for a weekend of competition.

“While many regional tourism operators are struggling, a bright spot continues to be the reliability and the frequency of regional sport tourism,” Mr Anderson said.

“Over the weekend, the Northern Inland Academy of Sport hosted almost 1000 athletes in Tamworth along with their parents and guardians, meaning local hotels, pubs, clubs, and small businesses had a strong weekend despite the ongoing uncertainty.

“Sport continues to be a key pillar of the state’s tourism, keeping regional economies ticking over throughout the quieter months.

“Sports tourism already makes up one in every ten tourism dollars spent, and we want that to grow in regional NSW.

“Regional sporting events aren’t just about competition – they’re about filling hotel rooms, backing local businesses, and putting our communities on the map.”

The 2026 Regional Academy Games, hosted by the Northern Inland Academy of Sport on behalf of the Regional Academies of Sport network, continue NIAS’s role as host Academy as part of its three‑year hosting tenure.

The event saw young athletes compete across six sports: basketball, golf, hockey, netball, triathlon and softball.

Venues across the Tamworth region hosted athletes, coaches, families and supporters from all 11 Regional Academies of Sport throughout New South Wales, including the Central Coast, Far West, Illawarra, Hunter, North Coast, Northern Inland, South East, South West Sydney, Southern, Western Region and Western Sydney Academies of Sport. Guest teams from Sydney also participated in the 2026 Games.

NIAS regional manager, Sue Charles, said the Games continue to play a vital role in both athlete development and community connection.

“The Your Local Club Regional Academy Games offer a unique opportunity to bring together the very best emerging athletes from across the state, while also celebrating regional communities and the power of sport to inspire,” Ms Charles said.

Mr Anderson said there are sporting events across regional NSW that are anticipated to drive tourism over the coming months.

“Events like the Regional Academy Games, The Mudgee Classic, Snowy Riverina 3×3 Cross Country MTB Series, the Koori Knockout, and the NSW Cross Country Championships in Nowra bring crowds to the regions and support local economies,” Mr Anderson said.

“Parents are making the sacrifices they needed to get their child onto the sporting field, and regional communities are welcoming them with open arms.

“Regional New South Wales is open for business, and I’m encouraging people to continue to make plans to get out and see what the regions have to offer.”