New South Wales (NSW) has achieved a remarkable milestone in tourism, setting a new record for visitor spending in the year ending June 2024. The state welcomed a staggering 101.6 million visitors, both domestic and international, who collectively spent a record $52.9 billion. This impressive achievement comes despite a slight decrease in overall visitor numbers compared to the previous year.
The data, unveiled by Tourism Research Australia (TRA) through their National Visitor Survey (NVS) and International Visitor Survey (IVS), reveals a fascinating trend. While overall visitor numbers declined by 3.6%, the state experienced a significant drop in domestic day visits, falling by 8.7% to 60.8 million. However, this decline was offset by a notable increase in overnight stays. Domestic overnight stays rose by 2.6% to 37.1 million visitors, and international overnight stays surged by a remarkable 35.6% to reach 3.7 million visitors. This surge in international overnight stays indicates a strong recovery in international tourism, nearing 85% of pre-pandemic levels seen in June 2019.
The record $52.9 billion spending represents a 9% increase from the previous year, marking the highest amount recorded since 1998. International tourists alone contributed a record $12.2 billion, reflecting a substantial 41.9% increase. Domestic overnight visitors contributed $30.7 billion, a modest 1.5% increase, and day visitors spent $10.0 billion, up 3.1%.
These positive figures solidify NSW and its capital, Sydney, as the premier destinations in Australia. They continue to lead in visitor numbers, overnight stays, and total spending, attracting a diverse range of travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
