The Strategy is an ambitious roadmap, which sets a clear target to generate $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure and generate an additional 150,000 jobs by 2035.
The Strategy, which was developed following extensive consultation with over 500 NSW stakeholders, including BESydney, focuses on five key pillars to accelerate growth. One of the standouts for BESydney is the commitment to Drive Growth Through Events, highlighting the critical role of business events in providing growth opportunities.
BESydney Chair, Professor Mary O’Kane AC, welcomed the new Strategy: “We are thrilled to see the NSW Government’s commitment to driving growth through events. This Strategy will help BESydney to unlock new potential across the city, particularly with the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport next year.”
BESydney CEO Amanda Lampe recognised the significance of the strategy release, noting that BESydney had already secured 66 events coming into Sydney this year, bringing in 46,000 delegates, staying 174,000 delegate days and generating an estimated $213 million in direct expenditure to the NSW economy.
“The large majority of the delegates attending the events are from overseas and are visiting Sydney for the first time. Beyond their tourism dollars, they contribute to our knowledge economy – sharing their expertise and learning from our local experts. They enter collaborations, sign business deals, and invest here. Many also return later for further business, to study, or for the holidays.”
The Government outlined three focus areas to deliver business events outcomes:
- Reinforce partnerships to ensure that key sectors are identified and prioritised.
- Promote a focus on Western Sydney and regional NSW
- Prioritise opportunities for existing and new infrastructure in key destinations outside of Sydney, such as Newcastle and Wollongong, and identify infrastructure needs to meet potential future demand.
BESydney is excited to support the NSW Government in delivering on these focus areas and contributing to the broader goals of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.
