Following the largest opening night on record, the annual Vivid Sydney event once again provided a much-needed boost for Sydney hotels, attracting thousands of visitors to the CBD and bolstering hotel occupancy rates.

Now in its 14th year, Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, lighting up some of the city’s most iconic locations and showcasing the talent of innovative artists, culinary talent, contemporary musicians and thought leaders.

Throughout the event, which ran from 24 May to 15 June, hotels reported occupancy rates of 75 per cent on weeknights and up to 90 per cent on weekends, while restaurants, cafes and bars also enjoyed an uplift in patronage with more than half a million people eating meals across the festival.

"This is an extraordinary event that brings people into Sydney, showcasing the CBD and all it has to offer," Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said.

"To have an event of this calibre during the colder months when hotels may not otherwise enjoy high occupancy rates is certainly welcomed by accommodation providers.

"Although the weather conditions were on occasion less than favorable, occupancy rates stayed strong and were comparable to the same time last year.

"The show-stopping nature of Vivid Sydney, from its spectacular light displays at iconic locations like the Sydney Opera House to its successful integration of technology, culinary delights, art, cinema, and music mean people are always going to want to come and see it for themselves.

"The popularity and success of the event year after year is a testament to the team at Destination NSW and the NSW Government.”


MEDIA CONTACT: Nikki Taylor – 0447 956 170 | nikki.taylor@ahansw.com.au