NSW has chalked up a record-breaking year for its visitor economy, with total visitor expenditure reaching a new high of $52.9 billion.

There were 101.6 million domestic and international visitors to NSW in the year ending June 2024.

Tourism Research Australia data shows international visitor nights and expenditure has passed pre-COVID-19-pandemic levels, reaching a record $12.2 billion during the period.

NSW was Australia’s top destination for international visitors, with 3.7 million overseas visitors to the state (up 35.6 per cent), staying 99.1 million nights (up 46.2 per cent).

Sydney was the number one Australian capital city for visitors. It received 37.5 million international and domestic visitors who spent $26.8 billion, an increase of 20 per cent from the year ending June 2019.

Regional NSW was the top destination across regional Australia during the period, with 65.4 million international and domestic visitors.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham points to the data as proof NSW is Australia’s number one destination, leading the nation’s international visitor revival.

“Our state has an incredible depth and breadth of unique experiences that visitors love telling their friends and family about,” he says.

“Thank you to our world-class tourism businesses across the state for their hard work in delivering these unforgettable moments, which ensures NSW maintains its position as the leading visitor economy in Australia.”

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox says, “NSW continues to break its own records for visitor economy growth, and Destination NSW has a laser focus on leveraging the state’s strengths to fast-track the return of international visitation to 2019 levels.

“The state offers diverse and compelling destinations and experiences that inspire, amaze and revitalise visitors, providing lasting memories that encourage them to return again and again.”