The Sydney Business Chamber has described new figures showing NSW as the leading state for international tourism as a clear demonstration of the benefit of a strong marketing and major events strategy that encourages visitors to extend their stay.
 
The Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, Patricia Forsythe said, “For business, being the number one tourist state has a positive impact on employment and is one of the factors making the service sector a key driver of the NSW economy.”
 
“While the strong in-country marketing campaigns that NSW has driven have opened the eyes of international tourists to the beauty and charm of the state, the focus on major events including New Year’s Eve, Vivid, international sporting events, art exhibitions and musicals has clearly been a driver of the visitor spend.
 
“NSW will only stay number one by being competitive and that requires a focus on our facilities and a willingness to renew and refresh our infrastructure.
 
“Knocking down and rebuilding the convention and exhibition centre was a risk, but the new facility is the stand-out of its type in the world and is ensuring that Sydney is the number one business event venue in Australia.
 
“The Stadia Strategy has to be seen as not just a sporting issue but also the role that sporting and cultural events play in the major event strategy that has been so successful for NSW.
 
“We win by offering tourists the best experience and without a willingness to invest in infrastructure, the $10 billion that tourism injects annually would be at risk.
 
“NSW is blessed with natural attractions, comfortable weather and a reputation as a safe place to visit, but tourism can never be taken for granted, which is why business has backed the strong major event focus of the NSW Government,” Mrs Forsythe said.