The NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy provides a roadmap to support all industries involved in the visitor economy to thrive and grow in the future.

Investment in sporting and cultural and business events plays a key role in positioning Sydney and NSW as the events capital of the Asia-Pacific, drive visitation and enhance the social wellbeing of NSW residents.

Leisure events

In the year ended June 2026, there were 15.0 million total (domestic and international) leisure event visitors to NSW who stayed 7.8 million nights and spent an estimated $5.2 billion for their entire trip.

Among these leisure event visitors, there were:

  • 3.3 million domestic overnight visitors who stayed 7.5 million nights and spent an estimated $2.7 billion in NSW.
  • 11.7 million domestic daytrip visitors who spent an estimated $2.3 billion in NSW.
  • 66,000 international visitors who stayed 329,000 nights and spent an estimated $192 million in NSW.

Definition: Leisure event visitors are defined as those whose main purpose of visit to NSW was either to participate in or watch organized sporting events or attend a specific leisure event or festival.

Business events

In the year ended June 2026, there were 7.8 million total domestic and international business event visitors to NSW who stayed 12.9 million nights and spent an estimated $6.3 billion.

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