NSW has recorded its highest-ever visitor expenditure, with domestic and international travellers spending a total of $53.2 billion across the state in 2024, marking a 3.6 per cent increase year-on-year. The latest data from Tourism Research Australia highlights NSW’s continued dominance as the nation’s top travel destination.
NSW and Sydney led the country in domestic and international visitor numbers, visitor nights, and total expenditure. International visitation surged by 11.1 per cent to reach 3.8 million visitors, generating $12.0 billion in expenditure—an increase of 10.7 per cent from the previous year. China reclaimed its position as NSW’s top international source market for the first time since the pandemic, followed by the United States and New Zealand.
This milestone underscores NSW’s strong post-pandemic tourism recovery, with domestic visitor spending climbing to a record $41.2 billion, including $15.9 billion spent in Sydney alone.
A key driver of this growth has been the state’s emphasis on cultural and nature-based tourism, with Aboriginal tourism and caravan and camping experiences seeing significant demand. NSW remained Australia’s number one destination for caravan and camping, welcoming 5 million domestic overnight visitors—an increase of 2 per cent. Meanwhile, participation in Aboriginal tourism among international visitors soared 43.9 per cent compared to 2019.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper Comments
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper hailed the achievement, stating:
“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.
“There is no doubt that throughout COVID years our tourism industry took a major hit, but we are starting to see the green shoots come through.
“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.
“The Minns Labor Government remains committed to growing the sector further, with major investments including the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund to attract more international flights and visitors from 2026.”
Key Tourism Statistics
- International visitors: 3.8 million (up 11.1%), spending $12.0 billion (up 10.7%), with visitor nights reaching 100.8 million (up 14.9%).
- Domestic overnight visitors: 37.5 million (up 2.0%), with an expenditure of $31.5 billion (up 2.7%).
- Western Sydney international visitation: Increased to 539,500 (up 5.2% on 2023), ahead of the 2026 Western Sydney International Airport opening.
- Highest accommodation occupancy rates: NSW overall (81%), Sydney (87%), and regional NSW (70%) in November 2024.
- Regional tourism growth: The North Coast saw an 11.1% increase in visitor numbers to 6.3 million, rebounding strongly after the 2023 floods.
- Strongest regional accommodation growth: Snowy Mountains (up 8.9%) and Blue Mountains (up 7.2%).
With these record-breaking figures, NSW’s tourism sector continues to thrive, reinforcing its reputation as Australia’s premier destination for both domestic and international travellers.
