The “Great North American Eclipse” is over—now prepare for the “Greatest American Eclipse.”
27.03.2024 - 07:07 / breakingtravelnews.com
The NSW visitor economy has surpassed $50 billion in expenditure for the first time in history and is leading Australia’s post-pandemic rebound.
Data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) shows domestic and international travellers contributed a record $51.4 billion to the NSW visitor economy in the year ending December 2023.
NSW welcomed the most international visitors, nights spent and visitor expenditure nationally during the period, which contributed $11 billion to the visitor economy. NSW also saw the largest absolute growth in international visitor numbers (up 1.8 million), nights (up 42.8 million) and expenditure (up 6 billion) of all states and territories.
International arrivals reached 78 per cent of pre-pandemic levels with visitor nights at 90 per cent and expenditure at 96 per cent in comparison to 2019. The United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom remained NSW’s top international source markets in 2023, with China showing strong recovery as the fourth largest. South Korea saw the fastest visitor growth, while Indonesia excelled in both nights spent and expenditure and Singapore led in expenditure growth.
Sydney cemented its position as the undisputed visitor economy leader among Australian capital cities in 2023. It attracted 53 per cent of all international visitors to Australian capitals, who stayed for a combined 73.1 million nights and spent an estimated $10 billion, representing 40 per cent and 44 per cent of total nights and expenditure respectively.
ADVERTISEMENT
Domestic visitors to NSW surged 9.3 per cent, driving the state’s highest-ever domestic expenditure at $40.5 billion. Regional NSW continued to shine with its natural attractions and experiences, leading regional Australia in domestic daytrip visitor levels.
Nature-based activities and caravan and camping holidays were major draws, with NSW remaining the top destination for caravan and camping in Australia. More than 15 million overnight visitors also engaged in nature-based activities during their trips, spending a combined $16.1 billion across their whole trip to NSW.
Western Sydney accounted for one in five domestic overnight visitors to Sydney in the year ending December 2023. There were a total of 2.2 million domestic overnight visitors during the period, up 3.1 per cent on the previous year. These visitors stayed 5.6 million nights and spent $1.4 billion - an increase of 8.4 per cent and 30.4 per cent respectively on the previous year.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “The NSW visitor economy is leading the country’s recovery from the pandemic and attracting the majority of international visitors to Australia as well as setting new benchmarks domestically.
“The diversity of natural and cultural
The “Great North American Eclipse” is over—now prepare for the “Greatest American Eclipse.”
Lovers of sand, surf and theme parks will findno shortage of fun things to do in Florida. From bustling metropolises that are havens for foodies and party people to tranquil beaches and stunning national parks, the Sunshine State offers thrills aplenty, and Florida's dazzling selection of theme parks pushes the state to the top of the fun scale.
I spent the first few years of my life in Greece and then moved to the US.
Heathrow Airport, the biggest airport serving London, England and a major international hub, is asking the British government to continue its current airport slot usage guidelines and regulations, something that, if changed, could shake up the airport’s international connectivity.
Viking has officially filed for an initial purchase offering (IPO) with the United States Securities and Exchanges Commission. Finance and investment publication Barrons says the IPO could be valued at more than $US10 billion.
The English village where Harry Styles grew up is calling for superfans to work there as tour guides.
A California company recently cleared a hurdle to begin testing a miniature version of its next-generation aircraft.
In the heart of Northumberland, England, lies a castle and country house that draws history buffs, architectural enthusiasts, and movie fans alike.
A 20-year-old man jumped off the Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas cruise on Thursday morning while vacationing with his family.
It wasn't a surprise to Julie Lenkoff's family that she was going on another cruise.
"And the sexiest new nonstop route of the year is ... "
When it comes to one of the highest honors in the culinary world, the James Beard Awards lead the pack and are among the most coveted awards a restaurant and chef can receive. Today the James Beard Foundation® announced its Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees in advance of the James Beard Awards® ceremonies this Summer.