NATURE-BASED TOURISM BOOM FOR NSW

Demand for nature-based experiences in NSW grew by 10 per cent in the year ending March 2024.

Visitors are choosing to connect more with the state's many unique outdoor activities and destinations.

Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data shows that in the year ending March 2024 there were 16.1 million domestic overnight visitors to NSW who engaged in nature and outdoor-based activities during their trips. This was an increase of 10.2 per cent on the previous year.

The visitors stayed 55 million nights and spent $16 billion (up 3.5 per cent for nights and 1.1 per cent for expenditure on the previous year) across their whole trip in NSW.

Austrade reports that TRA data from 2014 to 2023 shows nature-based activities among Australians have seen an overall growth of 47 per cent in demand. Some activities grew by almost 85 per cent, with around 50 per cent more people enjoying the outdoors.

TRA’s National Visitor Survey has revealed growth in demand for the following activities since 2014:

Visiting botanic or public gardens saw 85 per cent growth.

• Bushwalking and rainforest walks grew significantly in popularity by 81 per cent.
• Visiting national or state parks grew by 73 per cent, highlighting the importance of these protected areas.
• Caravanning or camping saw 40 per cent growth.
• Cycling grew by 53 per cent.
• Visiting wildlife parks, zoos, and aquariums saw 46 per cent growth.
• Going to the beach grew by 44 per cent.
• Golfing grew by 44 per cent.
• Snorkelling grew by 38 per cent.
• Whale or dolphin watching saw a 26 per cent increase.
• Visiting farms increased by 12 per cent.
• Surfing had nine per cent growth.
• Fishing grew by eight per cent.

Learn more here.