Sydney continues to shine as a premier tourist destination, with new data revealing unprecedented levels of spending in the city and throughout New South Wales. The visitor economy is thriving, highlighted by a remarkable increase in tourist expenditure, which reached an all-time high of $53 billion last year, up by 3.6% from the previous year.
Margy Osmond, Chief Executive of the Tourism and Transport Forum, praised NSW for its successes, stating that the prosperity of this region positively impacts the entire nation. The sentiment is echoed by Paul Nicalou, Director of Business Sydney, who noted the excitement among local businesses regarding these figures and their potential for the future. Domestic tourist spending alone has surged to a record $15.9 billion in Sydney.
The influx of visitors has been bolstered by major events, with NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey attributing some of the growth to pop icon Taylor Swift’s concerts in Homebush last year. He expressed gratitude for the Swifties who flocked to these events, which significantly contributed to the local economy. With the anticipation of popular artists like Dua Lipa performing, there is hope for similar boosts in tourism revenue.
Outside the city, the North Coast and the Blue Mountains have emerged as popular destinations for tourists, demonstrating the allure of New South Wales’ natural landscapes. International visitation has also seen a significant uptick, with an 11% rise in overseas travellers, primarily from China, followed by visitors from the United States and New Zealand.
Efforts are being made to enhance this trend further. The government is collaborating with airport authorities to strategically attract airlines to increase connectivity from these top source markets. NSW Tourism Minister Steve Kamper highlighted the goal of encouraging longer stays and greater spending from international visitors, a move that aligns with current trends reflecting positive economic indicators.
As Sydney’s tourism sector continues to flourish, the spotlight remains on both the city and the broader New South Wales region, promising a vibrant future for local businesses and the overall economy.