Eco-tourism and wellness tourism are no longer emerging trends — they are shaping the future of travel. Globally, the wellness economy reached US $6.3 trillion in 2023, with wellness tourism projected to grow to US $1.35 trillion by 2028 (Global Wellness Institute). Meanwhile, Australia is seeing a powerful surge in nature-based travel, with participation in nature activities increasing up to 85% over the past decade (Austrade).
Within this rapidly expanding sector, Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats has made a significant impact in just three years. Their approach blends eco-conscious travel, movement, sound, community and immersive connection to nature — a model now in high demand across NSW and beyond.
A Platform for Purpose: Tourism NSW Awards
At the 2025 Tourism NSW Awards, Positive Energy stood proudly as finalists. Their river-meets-ocean table sculpture represented the landscapes that define their retreats — from the Mid North Coast estuaries to the sweeping coastline that shapes their signature experiences.
The night also reflected the growing recognition of wellness tourism within the industry. Tourism Minister Steve Kamper underscored tourism’s role in community wellbeing, while MC Edwina Bartholomew closed the evening with a spontaneous photo wearing Positive Energy’s iconic Akubra Traveller — a fun moment that captured the heart of NSW tourism: authentic, spirited and grounded in place.
From Regional Start-Up to Statewide Impact
In three years, Positive Energy has expanded its EcoPass-accredited retreats from the Mid North Coast into some of NSW’s most iconic protected environments:
• Lord Howe Island — remote, pristine and deeply connected to nature
• Sydney Harbour National Park — where coastal wilderness meets the city skyline
• Regional NSW headlands, forests & coastal trails — the foundation of their signature hikes
This strategic growth mirrors industry demand: travellers seeking meaningful, restorative, nature-rich experiences that nurture wellbeing while protecting the places they explore.
A New Era of Travel
Wellness travellers want more than a getaway — they want connection, clarity and regenerative experiences. Positive Energy delivers exactly that: immersive retreats that honour place, community and sustainability.
Their finalist status at the Tourism NSW Awards signals the rising importance of operators who combine nature, wellbeing and eco-conscious travel. It also marks a milestone in Positive Energy’s journey — from a local start-up to a recognised contributor within one of the fastest-growing sectors of global tourism.
As wellness and eco-tourism continue to surge, Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats stands at the forefront, showing how small operators can make a big, positive impact — one immersive experience at a time.
