The NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 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 December 2024, there were 7.1 million total (domestic and international) leisure event visitors to NSW who stayed 5.8 million nights and spent an estimated $3.4 billion for their entire trip.

Among these leisure event visitors, there were:

  • 2.5 million domestic overnight visitors who stayed 5.6 million nights and spent an estimated $2.5 billion in NSW.
  • 4.6 million domestic daytrip visitors who spent an estimated $744 million in NSW.
  • 38,200 international visitors who stayed 258,900 nights and spent an estimated $135 million in NSW.

Business Events

In the year ended December 2024, there were 3.4 million business event visitors to Sydney who spent an estimated $4.1 billion while in the city. Of those visitors, 2.3 million were domestic overnight and 347,500 were international visitors.

In the same year, there were 3.2 million business event visitors to regional NSW who spent an estimated $1.8 billion. Of those visitors, 1.9 million were domestic overnight, 1.3 million were domestic daytrip and 38,100 were international visitors.

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