Records tumble as NSW visitor economy hits new high
3.8 million international visitors, up 11.1%. $12.0 billion expenditure, up 10.7% & visitors stayed 100.8 million nights, up 14.9%
NSW has recorded its highest-ever visitor expenditure, with domestic and international travellers spending $53.2 billion across the state—up 3.6 percent year on year—according to new data from Tourism Research Australia for the year ending December 2024.
NSW and Sydney were the nation’s leading destinations for both domestic and international visitors, visitor nights and total expenditure.
International visitation in NSW grew 11.1 percent year-on-year to 3.8 million visitors, with expenditure totalling $12.0 billion up 10.7 percent from the previous year. China returned to the top spot for the first time since the pandemic, followed by the United States and New Zealand.
The results mark a major milestone in the state’s post-pandemic tourism recovery, with domestic spending reaching a record of $41.2 billion, including $15.9 billion in Sydney alone.
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A strong focus on authentic cultural and nature-based experiences has fuelled growth across key segments, including Aboriginal tourism and caravan and camping.
The state retained its position as the top destination for caravan and camping, welcoming 5 million domestic overnight visitors—up two per cent on the previous year. NSW was also Australia’s leading destination for Aboriginal tourism in 2024, with international visitor participation growing 43.9 per cent compared to 2019.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “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 FACTS
- International visitors were 3.8 million, up 11.1%. Expenditure was $12.0 billion, up 10.7%, with visitors staying 100.8 million nights, up 14.9%
- Domestic overnight visitors were 37.5 million, up 2.0 per cent. Expenditure was $31.5 billion, up 2.7 per cent.
- Ahead of the 2026 opening of Western Sydney International Airport, international visitation to Western Sydney rose to 539,500—up 5.2% on 2023.
- The highest accommodation occupancy rates were recorded in November 2024, reaching 81% for NSW overall, 87% for Sydney, and 70% across regional NSW.
- The North Coast recorded the largest increase in regional visitation, with visitor numbers rising 11.1% to 6.3 million—a welcome rebound after the 2023 floods.
- The Snowy Mountains and Blue Mountains recorded the strongest year-on-year growth in regional occupancy rates, up 8.9% and 7.2%, respectively.
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