Wagga Wagga has found its name up in some well-deserved lights, being named a finalist in two categories of the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards – Major Festivals and Events for Festival of W 2024, and the Local Government Award for Tourism, recognising the city's leadership in tourism planning and development.
The NSW Tourism Awards are the state's highest honour for operators, events and organisations, recognising those who set new standards in visitor experience and industry excellence.
This year saw a record 230 nominations, with only 125 finalists selected across 30 competitive categories.
Acting Destination and Events Coordinator Cassandra Farquharson said the achievement highlights the momentum, dedication and ambition behind Wagga Wagga's tourism growth.
"These nominations for Festival of W 2024 and the City of Wagga Wagga are a wonderful and very welcome recognition of Council's determination to deliver on our vision of Wagga Wagga as a leading regional destination," Ms Farquharson said.
"We are both proud of how far the city has come and excited for what lies ahead, thanks to Council's innovative approach to tourism, strong partnerships, and outstanding visitor offerings."
As the largest inland city in New South Wales, Wagga Wagga welcomes around 1.2 million visitors each year, contributing $374 million in direct economic benefits to the region. Through collaboration with local operators and neighbouring councils, tourism dispersal and economic opportunities continue to strengthen across the Riverina.
Council's recently endorsed Destination Management Plan 2025–2034 was a key highlight in the city's nomination for the Local Government Award for Tourism. The plan sets an ambitious goal to attract an additional 350,000 visitors by 2035, increasing total annual visitation to 1.55 million.
Festival of W, as one of the city's largest destination events, is a major driver of this growth. Festival of W 2024, which is up for this year's award, welcomed over 100,000 attendees, with 30% travelling from outside the region.
Designed to spark winter visitation and support the local economy during a traditionally quieter tourism period, the 16-day light and sound festival invites people to rug up, embrace the cold and rediscover the city in a way that captivates and connects.
Winners of the NSW Tourism Awards will be announced on Thursday, 27 November 2025.
The full list of 2025 finalists can be viewed here: www.nswtourismassociation.com.au/nsw-tourism-awards
