AUSTRALIA | Business travel in New South Wales has proven to be a major earner and important asset for the local tourism and hospitality economy.
New Tourism Research Australia data shows visitors travelling for business events in NSW contributed AUD 5.85 billion to the visitor economy in 2025. There were over 7.2 million business events travellers, who stayed more than 14 million nights.
Regional NSW welcomed more than 2.7 million business events visitors, while Sydney welcomed more than 4.7 million visitors. Business events are important contributors to Australia’s visitor economy. They attract high-yield domestic and international travellers to and across Australia who spend more than average on accommodation, food, services and experiences during their trips.
During 2025, visitors travelling for business events spent AUD 17.2 billion in Australia during their trip. Of this total, AUD 2.3 billion was spent in Australia by international visitors.
The remaining AUD 14.9 billion of expenditure included AUD 12 billion from domestic overnight travel and AUD 2.9 billion through domestic daytrips to attend business events.
The top 10 international origins of business event travellers in 2025 were New Zealand, China, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, India, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Korea.
Destination NSW and a record 95 NSW tourism sellers will attend Australia’s largest tourism trade event, Australian Tourism Exchange 2026 (ATE26), from 10-14 May at Adelaide Convention Centre.
The NSW delegation will include 41 tourism operators from regional NSW and 54 from Sydney, showcasing the depth and diversity of the state’s visitor experiences.
This year’s cohort encompasses iconic attractions, adventure and nature-based operators, luxury and boutique accommodation, leading food and wine experiences, Aboriginal‑owned tourism businesses, cruise and transport providers and key regional destinations.
Sixteen new-to-ATE businesses will join ATE26, supported by Destination NSW’s New Product Pathway. Buyers will be given a first look at experiences from Bowral Honey Farm, Cedars Mount View, Chapman Tours, Doltone Hospitality Group, Explore Byron Bay Aboriginal Tours, Fantasea Cruising, Grand Saddles Lodge, Haven Glebe, Hotel Marvell, Cloud9 Tours, Encore by Mingara, Outback Beds Tours, Prestige Harbour Cruises, Sea Kayak Jervis Bay, Vista Coach, and Zig Zag Railway.
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