In a resounding affirmation of its enduring allure, New South Wales (NSW) has shattered previous tourism records, achieving an unprecedented $53.2 billion in visitor expenditure for the year ending December 2024. This remarkable 3.6% increase from the prior year underscores the state’s unwavering position as Australia’s premier destination for domestic and international travelers.
International Tourism Flourishes
The international sector witnessed a robust resurgence, with 3.8 million visitors marking an 11.1% uptick year-on-year. These global travelers infused $12.0 billion into the NSW economy, reflecting a 10.7% rise in spending. Notably, China reclaimed its status as the leading source of international visitors, followed by the United States and New Zealand.
Domestic Travel Hits New Heights
On the domestic front, NSW experienced unparalleled growth, with spending reaching a record $41.2 billion. Sydney played a pivotal role, contributing $15.9 billion to this figure. The state’s commitment to authentic cultural and nature-based experiences has been instrumental in attracting visitors, particularly in segments such as Aboriginal tourism and caravan and camping.
Cultural and Regional Tourism on the Rise
NSW maintained its dominance in the caravan and camping sector, welcoming 5 million domestic overnight visitors—a 2% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the state led Australia in Aboriginal tourism, with international visitor participation surging by 43.9% compared to 2019.
Regional areas also experienced significant growth. The North Coast recorded an 11.1% increase in visitation, welcoming 6.3 million visitors—a substantial rebound following the 2023 floods. The Snowy Mountains and Blue Mountains saw the most significant year-on-year growth in regional occupancy rates, up 8.9% and 7.2%, respectively.
Government Commitment to Tourism Growth
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, highlighted the significance of these achievements:
“The NSW visitor economy has surged past $53 billion for the first time in history, with more people visiting and spending in our state than anywhere else in the country. This is delivering real benefits for local businesses and supporting thousands of jobs across NSW.”
He further emphasized the state’s dedication to fostering tourism:
“Our focus is on unlocking opportunity and driving investment in our visitor economy. These results reflect the strength of our experience tourism approach, which connects visitors to our state’s unique offerings.”
As NSW continues to set new benchmarks in the tourism industry, these record-breaking figures reflect the state’s enduring appeal and its resilience and innovative approach to offering unparalleled experiences to visitors worldwide.
Written by: Michelle Warner
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