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City economic insights

A quarterly snapshot that explores emerging economic and business trends and seeks to understand their longer-term impacts on the city.

Published 4 December 2023

Sydney Economy Research and data

Groups of people enjoy outdoor dining and socialising on suburban streets

The study shows how people use, visit and spend in the city.

Takeaways

Tourism has rebounded strongly and visitor numbers are now at 82% of pre-pandemic levels.
Asian markets have been slower to return to Sydney, with Chinese tourism at just 50% of 2019 levels.
International student numbers now exceed 2019 levels with student numbers from China and India particularly strong.

City insights November 2023PDF · 163.46 KB · Last modified 22 December 2023

Previous snapshots

- There is a disparity in economic recovery between sectors, with a divide between those able to move to remote working and those that cannot.
- International and local events have played a big role in economic recovery, particularly WorldPride.
- City visitation has reached nearly 95% of pre-pandemic levels.
- Domestic travel continues to be an important driver of economic recovery, with international visits still at half of pre-pandemic levels.
City insights August 2023

PDF · 332.48 KB · Last updated 1 September 2023
- Local spend across Sydney has recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels (after adjusting for inflation)
- Monthly local spend in March 2023 was $704 million up from $617 million in March 2022
- Public transport journeys to central Sydney grew strongly in the 12 months to March 2023, rising to 84% of pre-pandemic levels
- Sydney had 247,000 international visitor arrivals in February, up 16% from February 2022
- International student arrivals to Australia increased to 74% of 2019 levels. Sydney’s international student population continues to exceed the national average, increasing 6% from November 2021 to November 2022.
City insights May 2023

PDF · 343.78 KB · Last updated 23 May 2023

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