New South Wales has by far the largest tourism industry in Australia, making up 35% of all tourism industry output in Australia in 2006-07. New South Wales is particularly dominant in the tourism-related industries of transport services, accommodation, cafes, restaurants and food outlets, education and food manufacturing.
Tourism is an important driver of the State’s economy, directly contributing $13.3 billion or 4.0% of gross state product in 2006-07. Indirectly, tourism is estimated to have contributed a further $9.2 billion to the New South Wales economy.
Tourism exports made up $8.3 billion or 16.5% (on a balance of payments basis) of New South Wales total exports of goods and services in 2006-07, which represented 37.4% of international tourist consumption in Australia.
New South Wales receives more than half of all international visitors to Australia, and around 35% of all international visitor nights. International and domestic visitors enjoy a wide range of attractions and services in the State. In the 2008 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, New South Wales attractions and businesses were awarded top place in the categories of ecotourism, new tourism development, non-major tourist attraction, hosted accommodation, backpacker accommodation and tourist/caravan park.