Luxury the way forward for NSW

New South Wales is capitalising on a $1.4 billion luxury travel market by showcasing its luxurious properties, world-class restaurants, gourmet wine and produce, wine, and unique experiences and events.

Luxury visitors accounted for 23 per cent of international visitors to the State in the year-ended December 2014. Last year they spent $1.4 billion in NSW and international luxury visitors were most likely to originate from China, USA, UK, Korea and New Zealand.

According to Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, attracting luxury travellers requires the tourism operators to offer ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experiences for time-poor visitors.

“We know that international luxury travellers are looking for an ‘experience of a lifetime’ and spend around 3.7 nights in luxury accommodation during their stay in our state. While their stay in high-end properties may be short, they ensure their break is a memorable one.

“Luxury tourism operators in NSW have responded by providing a suite of impressive accommodation and experiences. From celebrity-favourite Byron Bay in the north of the State, to the natural beauty of Lord Howe Island and the luxury of glamorous Sydney, there is an experience to tempt all luxury travellers,” Ms Chipchase said.

When it comes to luxury products on offer in NSW, the state boasts a diverse range of products including The Langham Sydney, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, One and Only’s Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Park Hyatt,which are all currently participating in Tourism Australia’s Australian Travel Exchange (ATE), alongside Destination NSW, the State Government’s tourism and major events agency.