International tourism to NSW to hit new heights

The latest International Visitor Survey results have shown NSW has achieved its highest number of international visitors, nights and expenditure since 2005.

According to year end December 2013 figures, NSW welcomed three million international visitors who stayed 72.8 million nights and spent $6.7 billion, helping to boost the State’s economy.

“NSW has continued its dominant position with the greatest share of international visitors to Australia visiting, staying and spending in our State,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Andrew Stoner said.

“This is a great result for NSW and represents the first time we have broken through the three million international visitor mark for the first time since year end December 2005.

“This growth in tourist numbers reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring that Sydney and NSW are Australia’s leading tourism and major events city and State,” he said.

Mr Stoner said NSW also saw impressive growth in visitor numbers from priority markets, including India, which grew 22.8 per cent, Hong Kong grew 13.4 per cent, China grew 12.4 per cent, and the United Kingdom grew 8.4 per cent. NSW maintains its position as the China market’s top destination of choice in Australia.

“The NSW Government is determined to grow the State’s visitor economy and sell NSW as a tourist destination to the world,” Mr Stoner said.

“These results reaffirm the success of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Industry Action Plan, our tourism and events strategies and our efforts to promote NSW as a global destination,” he said.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase, said Sydney continues to lead Melbourne and Brisbane in visitor numbers, nights and expenditure.

“Destination NSW’s focus on working with its airline and industry partners and with Sydney Airport Corporation to increase air services to Sydney from China, India, Singapore and Malaysia is paying dividends, as well as our strong focus on co-operative marketing campaigns and publicity activities plus securing the right mix of major events,” Ms Chipchase said.

“We are delighted to see the strong performances being achieved by Sydney and NSW.”