The NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 provides a roadmap to support all industries involved in the visitor economy to thrive and grow in the future.

Investment in sporting and cultural and business events plays a key role in positioning Sydney and NSW as the events capital of the Asia-Pacific, drive visitation and enhance the social wellbeing of NSW residents.

Leisure Events

In the year ended June 2024, there were 7.1 million total (domestic and international) leisure event visitors to NSW who stayed 5.5 million nights and spent an estimated $3.2 billion for their entire trip.

Among these leisure event visitors, there were:

  • 2.4 million domestic overnight visitors who stayed 5.3 million nights and spent an estimated $2.3 billion in NSW.
  • 4.7 million domestic daytrip visitors who spent an estimated $756 million in NSW.
  • 34,900 international visitors who stayed 262,800 nights and spent an estimated $142 million in NSW.

Business Events

In the year ended June 2024, there were 188,500 domestic overnight business event visitors to Sydney, who stayed 524,200 nights with an average length of stay for 2.8 nights. There were 59,700 international business event visitors, who stayed 311,300 nights with an average length of stay for 5.2 nights.

Over a 4-year period of YE June 2019, and 2022-24, there were an annual average of 116,100 domestic overnight business event visitors to regional NSW, who stayed 269,400 nights with an average length of stay for 2.3 nights. Over a 4-year period of YE June 2017-19 and 2024, there were an annual average of 7,000 international business event visitors to regional NSW, who stayed 35,200 nights with an average length of stay for 5.0 nights.

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