NSW has recorded its highest-ever visitor expenditure, with domestic and international travellers spending $53.2 billion across the state – up 3.6% year on year – according to new data from Tourism Research Australia for the year ending December 2024.
NSW and Sydney were the nation’s leading destinations for both domestic and international visitors, visitor nights and total expenditure.
International visitation in NSW grew 11.1% year-on-year to 3.8 million visitors, with expenditure totalling $12.0 billion up 10.7% from the previous 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, said Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper.
“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,” said Mr Kamper.
“There is no doubt that throughout COVID years our tourism industry took a major hit, but we are starting to see the green shoots come through.
“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 Minns Labor 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.”
NSW also retained its position as the top destination for caravan and camping, welcoming five million domestic overnight visitors – up 2% on the previous year. The state was also Australia’s leading destination for Aboriginal tourism in 2024, with international visitor participation growing 43.9% compared to 2019.
