RECORD INTERNATIONAL VISITOR SPEND IN NSW IN 2016

NSW continues to dominate the rest of Australia in attracting international visitors with more than 20 per cent more arrivals from key markets including China, the USA and South Korea, contributing $9.3 billion in visitor expenditure into the economy.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the number of international tourists arriving in a single year is nearing the population of Sydney, with this unprecedented growth showing no sign of slowing down in 2017.

“Today’s International Visitor Survey results highlight NSW is exactly where our international guests want their heads to hit beds, with 3.8 million international visitors staying 87.1 million nights, representing a 16 per cent increase in the tourist dollar spent year on year,” Mr Ayres said.

“NSW remains Australia’s most popular destination for international visitors – and rightly so – our stunning natural environment, dynamic cities and countless accommodation, dining and activity options make us the first choice for international visitors worldwide.

“The way we market our tourism product overseas is working. From strategic partnerships with international airlines to targeted funding to increase overnight regional visitation, NSW is working hard to maintain our position as Australia’s premier tourism State,” Mr Ayres said.

The NSW Government has strengthened partnerships with 20 plus international airlines and entered new agreements this year with new services including Qantas, Air China, All Nippon Airways, China Southern, Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, to streamline the experience for international travellers.

Regional tourism has seen a 7.1 per cent growth overall in international visitation – 8.5 per cent more international visitors headed to the North Coast, 19.3 per cent more to Central NSW and the Central Coast, 38.9 per cent to the Riverina and 13.7 per cent more visited the Blue Mountains.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the exceptional results are a credit to the commitment of the State’s tourism industry to be number one.

“Our expertise and efforts in securing major events, and partnering with industry to develop, market and promote our world class attractions, accommodation and food and wine sector, ensures NSW continues to lead Australia in international tourism.”