Registration Open

Package It. Partner Up (Wollongong)

Hosted by Destination Sydney Surrounds South, Package It. Partner Up is a free, three-hour, hands-on workshop that brings local businesses together to create visitor experiences as a team.

Cafés, restaurants, wellness operators, retailers, galleries, accommodation providers, attractions, venues and tourism operators are all part of the visitor economy. You’ll spend two hours working in groups on real itineraries and packages, and one hour making local connections.

One of four workshops across the region: Wollongong, Kiama, Milton and Bowral. Wollongong venue to be announced.

  • 17 November 2026
  • 9:00 am to 12:00 pm AEDT
  • Free
  • Registration Open
  • Wollongong NSW (venue to be announced)
Register Now!

What You'll Discover

  • Meet local operators and explore partnerships with the businesses around you
  • Build visitor itineraries for families, couples, groups and special interest travellers
  • Package products, experiences and services so visitors get more value, and so do you
  • Get visitor-ready: check your tourism listings and Google Business Profile before summer

Common questions

Who is this workshop for?

Any local business that welcomes visitors: cafés, restaurants, wellness operators, retailers, galleries, museums, accommodation providers, attractions, venues and tourism operators. If visitors spend money with you, you are part of the visitor economy.

Is this a presentation or a hands-on workshop?

Hands-on. You will spend two hours working in small groups on real itineraries and packages, and one hour networking with other local businesses.

What happens to the itineraries we create?

Destination Sydney Surrounds South will collate the draft visitor journeys from all four workshops and work with local tourism organisations to refine them and look at showcasing them through visitor-facing websites, itineraries and other promotional channels.

Is there support after the workshop?

Yes. In February and March 2027, Destination Sydney Surrounds South will run informal industry coffee catch-ups across the region to keep working on partnerships, pricing, packaging and the itineraries. If your business, chamber or precinct would like to host one, raise it at the workshop.

I can't make it. Can someone from my team come instead?

Yes. A team member is welcome to register and come in your place.

Where are the workshops held?

Venues are still to be announced. The four workshops are Wollongong (Tuesday 17 November, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm), Kiama (Tuesday 17 November, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm), Milton (Wednesday 18 November, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm) and Bowral (Thursday 19 November, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm). Choose the one that suits you.

Meet your trainer

Professional headshot of Despina Karatzias wearing a black blazer, smiling and looking directly at the camera.

Despina Karatzias

Founder, Institute of Excellence | Business and Tourism Capability Specialist

Despina is a certified trainer and business coach delivering practical training programs that turn strategy into real capability for business owners and industry leaders. Her expertise spans sales, marketing, operations, accreditation frameworks, and digital and AI readiness across small business and the visitor economy. Her belief is simple for herself and everyone she serves and supports: be better today than you were yesterday.