Bumper January for Sydney hotels
The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows Sydney is the top destination in Australia for domestic and international travellers
Sydney reinforced its position as Australia’s number one capital city for domestic and international visitors during January 2025, with hotel occupancy rates surging year on year.
Visitors flocked to the city for major events and cultural experiences, commencing with more than one million spectators attending Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations on Sydney Harbour foreshore. STR preliminary data shows Sydney hotels attracted record average daily rates on New Year’s Eve, with occupancy at 94.5 percent.
Overall, Sydney accommodation occupancy for the week commencing 29 December 2024 was 86.4 percent (up from 79.5 percent in the corresponding period in 2024).
Sydney accommodation occupancy for the week commencing January 5, 2025 was 71.3 percent (up from 66.8 percent in the corresponding period in 2024); the week commencing January 12, 2025 saw Sydney accommodation occupancy reach 71.6 percent (up from 71.2 percent in the corresponding period in 2024); while Sydney accommodation occupancy for the week commencing January 19, was 75.8 percent (up from 71.5 percent in the corresponding period in 2024).
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Lunar New Year and the Australia Day in Sydney program delivered by Destination NSW coincided with the week commencing January 26, 2025 and saw Sydney accommodation occupancy surge to 81.2 percent (up from 70.1 percent in the corresponding period in 2024).
Minister for Tourism John Graham said: “It’s great to see occupancy rates up this January. We expect this to continue as we work to bring our city back to life and grow our state’s visitor economy.
“Visitors are getting the message that January is an incredible month to be in Sydney. When you combine the stunning weather, all the natural beauty and a series of amazing events like the Sydney Festival, the Australia Day Celebrations, the United Cup and the Sydney Test.”
From December 2024 to February 2025, Destination NSW’s Feel the Sydney Side of Summer marketing campaign showcased the city’s unrivalled mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences and world-class events. The campaign includes advertising, strategic partnerships, broadcast integrations and press activity.
Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones said: “Sydney welcomed strong occupancy rates throughout January, peaking during the first week at 86.4 percent, almost seven per cent higher than the same period in 2024.
“It has been exciting to see the city bustling with visitors, its hotels full and its venues vibrant throughout January, which has supported the entire ecosystem of the NSW visitor economy, benefitting local businesses, boosting jobs and growing visitor expenditure.
“From our café culture to cocktail bars, blockbuster musicals, Aboriginal tourism experiences and spectacular harbour and beaches, there is something for all ages to enjoy in Sydney.”
The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows Sydney is the top destination in Australia for domestic and international travellers to capital cities. In the year ending September 2024, Sydney welcomed 33.7 million domestic visitors, who spent $15.9 billion in the state. Domestic overnight visitors stayed a total of 31.4 million nights.
Sydney also welcomed 3.4 million international visitors. They stayed 81.8 million nights and spent $10.9 billion in the state.
