Mr Souris has welcomed news that visitors to NSW spent a record $6.53 billion to year-end June 2013, as shown by the latest International Visitor Survey.
“The survey also shows record results for NSW in the number of visitors and visitor nights, reinforcing the State’s position as Australia’s leading visitor destination.”
“This is a terrific result for NSW. We have record tourist spending, record visitors and record visitor nights – great news for our State’s economy and great news for our tourism businesses and jobs,” Minister Souris said.
Mr Souris said the survey showed that NSW enjoyed a 6.6 per cent growth in visitor expenditure to $6.53 billion to year-end June 2013, compared to $4.58 billion for Victoria and $3.96 billion for Queensland during the same period.
“Because NSW’s growth in visitor expenditure was so strong, our State contributed a very healthy six per cent increase to the overall rise in expenditure for Australia.”
“With the State’s tourism hot spots and major events continuing to feature strongly on visitors’ agendas and with our Sydney in Winter campaign gaining good exposure, visitor nights in the Harbour City increased by 6.9 per cent and visitor expenditure grew 7.8 per cent, contributing an additional $425 million to the NSW economy.”
“Sydney, as an ever-attractive holiday destination, meant the city’s holidaymaker visits grew by 6.9 per cent, with a 6.1 per cent increase in visitors who came to see family and relatives.”
“Sydney also saw a 6.5 per cent increase in business visitors, compared to the 0.9 per cent growth for all capital cities.”
The International Visitor Survey which is published quarterly also shows NSW success in delivering exceptional results in key tourism markets, including new and emerging markets in Asia.
“For the first time, China overtook New Zealand for visitors to NSW to become the largest source market for visitor nights and expenditure, contributing more than $1.3 billion to the NSW economy to year-end June 2013.”
“This important increase follows the implementation of the Government’s China Tourism Strategy 2012-2020 which is driving inbound tourism from China to Sydney and NSW, reinforcing our leading position as the destination of choice for international visitors.”
“As Australia’s global city and international gateway, Sydney has unbeatable attractions for international and domestic visitors, with Regional NSW promoting Australia’s best destinations for family, luxury and adventure holidays,” Minister Souris said.
Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said: “Destination NSW’s strategic partnership with tourism operators, accommodation providers and key airlines, including our new partnership with Air India, is delivering results which will drive the NSW Government’s target of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”
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