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 September 2024, there were 7.1 million total (domestic and international) leisure event visitors to NSW who stayed 5.8 million nights and spent an estimated $3.4 billion for their entire trip.

Among these leisure event visitors, there were:

  • 2.5 million domestic overnight visitors who stayed 5.5 million nights and spent an estimated $2.5 billion in NSW.
  • 4.6 million domestic daytrip visitors who spent an estimated $766 million in NSW.
  • 29,900 international visitors who stayed 229,600 nights and spent an estimated $124 million in NSW.

Business Events

In the year ended September 2024, there were 191,800 domestic overnight business event visitors to Sydney, who stayed 448,000 nights with an average length of stay for 2.3 nights. There were 56,000 international business event visitors, who stayed 288,000 nights with an average length of stay for 5.1 nights.

Over a 4-year period of YE September 2019, and 2022-24, there were an annual average of 121,100 domestic overnight business event visitors to regional NSW, who stayed 282,400 nights with an average length of stay for 2.3 nights. Over a 4-year period of YE September 2017-19 and 2024, there were an annual average of 7,500 international business event visitors to regional NSW, who stayed 37,500 nights with an average length of stay for 5.0 nights.

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