Destination NSW hosted a Youth Tourism Product Showcase last week, connecting operators with destination marketing experts.
The half-day, appointment-based event provided an opportunity for visitor economy businesses to present their youth-focused products to the Destination NSW marketing and product development teams.
Held in collaboration with Youth Tourism NSW, businesses that attended included Local Sauce Tours, Wake Up!, YHA Australia, Tourism Adventure Group (representing Nomads, Mojo Surf and Work & Travel Company), Spaceships Rentals, Colourful Collective Travel, Surf Camp Australia and Ultimate Travel.
NSW number one for youth tourism
NSW is Australia’s number one destination for domestic overnight and international visitors aged between 15 and 29.
The state welcomed 8.1 million domestic overnight youth tourism visitors in 2024, who stayed 23.5 million nights and spent $4.8 billion (up 5.4 per cent year-on-year).
NSW attracted 57 per cent of international youth tourism visitors to Australia during the period. Visitation surged to 1.2 million (up 15.4 per cent year-on-year), with travellers staying 53.8 million nights (up 22.4 per cent year-on-year) and spending $6.7 billon (up 14.1 per cent year-on-year).
Top 10 international youth markets for NSW
1. China
2. United Kingdom
3. New Zealand
4. United States
5. Japan
6. South Korea
7. Germany
8. France
9. India
10. Taiwan
NSW number one for international students
NSW is also Australia’s top study destination for international students, who spend more than any other international visitor segment.
Their presence fuels demand for accommodation, retail and hospitality, while visits from friends and family create additional economic benefits, particularly in regional NSW.
The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 identifies international education is a key pillar of the state's visitor economy.
Maintaining competitive visa conditions and post-study work rights will be key to sustaining growth and attracting the next generation of international students to further cement NSW’s position as a premier study destination.
