NSW has cemented its position as Australia’s number one tourism destination, welcoming 129.3 million domestic and international visitors in the year ending March 2026, who spent a record $61.9 billion across the state, a 16 per cent increase year on year.

The latest Tourism Research Australia data highlights the success of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, with tourism continuing to drive jobs, support local businesses and fuel investment across NSW.

Domestic visitors spent $46.6 billion, while international visitor expenditure climbed to a record $15.2 billion, 36 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.

NSW welcomed 4.2 million international visitors during the year, an increase of 7.9 per cent. China remained the state's largest international market with 585,000 visitors, followed by the United States (483,400) and New Zealand (443,300).

The state’s international appeal continues to strengthen, with eight key markets now exceeding pre-pandemic visitation levels, including South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Netherlands.

International visitors also stayed longer than ever before, booking a record 107.8 million nights across NSW.

Twelve major international markets surpassed 2019 spending levels, led by China, where visitor expenditure reached $5.36 billion — an increase of 136 per cent.

Major events backed by Destination NSW are delivering significant economic returns. Sporting events such as the British & Irish Lions Tour helped drive UK visitor spending to more than $1 billion, reaching 171 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

NSW led the nation across all key international tourism measures including visitors, visitor nights and expenditure, outperforming both Victoria and Queensland.

Domestic tourism also remained strong, with 125.1 million visitors travelling across NSW, up 6.3 per cent year-on-year.

Regional NSW continues to be Australia's leading regional destination, welcoming 64.4 million domestic and international visitors who spent $27.2 billion, ensuring the benefits of the NSW Government’s tourism and events agenda are being felt in communities right across the state.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “NSW has once again proven why it is Australia’s number one tourism destination. These
record-breaking results show the NSW Government’s strategy is working and is delivering jobs, driving investment and strengthening local economies right across the state.

“We are leading the nation across every key tourism measure - visitors, nights and expenditure. We’re not just recovering; we’re outperforming.

“These results show that our tourism agenda is delivering real benefits for communities from the coast to the bush, supporting local businesses and creating jobs.

“International visitors are flocking to NSW in record numbers, staying longer and spending more than ever before. This is a huge vote of confidence in our state.”

How visitors experienced NSW in the year ending March 2026

  • 29.1 million international and domestic visitors visited Western Sydney
  • 1.4 million domestic and international overnight visitors participated in an Aboriginal-related experience during their trip
  • 5.6 million international and domestic overnight visitors had a caravan and camping experience
  • 6.6 million international and domestic overnight visitors engaged in a food experience
  • 2 million international and domestic overnight visitors participated in a wine experience
    • 22.2 million international and domestic overnight visitors took part in nature and outdoor-based activities
    • 5.2 million business event visitors travelled to Sydney
    • Top three destinations for day trips in NSW were the Hunter Valley (8.6 million visitors), the North Coast (6.7 million) and the South Coast (5.2 million)