NSW tourism achieves new records as visitors spend $53 billion

Data released today show that $1.20 out of every $3 spent in Australia's visitor economy took place in NSW in 2024 as the state's tourism industry rose above $53 billion for the first time, up 3.6 per cent on the previous year.

This growth rate is 1.5 percentage points higher than the national average of 2.1 per cent, but is below Queensland's growth rate of 4.8 per cent. 

International visitation was up 11.3 per cent at 3.8 million, accounting for half the country's 7.6 million visitors from overseas, spending $12 billion - a 10.7 per cent jump year-on-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.

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 five million domestic overnight visitors—up 2 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.

Ahead of the 2026 opening of Western Sydney International Airport, international visitation to Western Sydney rose to 539,500 - up 5.2 per cent on 2023.

"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," says NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper 

"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 NSW 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."

The highest accommodation occupancy rates were recorded in November 2024, reaching 81 per cent for NSW overall, 87 per cent for Sydney, and 70 per cent across regional NSW.

The North Coast recorded the largest increase in regional visitation, with visitor numbers rising 11.1 per cent 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 per cent and 7.2 per cent, respectively.