Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue ICC Sydney has generated $785 million in direct expenditure and created 3,700 jobs for the NSW economy in its first year of operation.
Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said independent analysis from Deloitte Access Economics confirmed ICC Sydney’s world class status and applauded the venue for outperforming the State’s target of $200 million in economic benefits in 2017.
“In just its first year ICC Sydney welcomed 1.3 million visitors across 755 different events, alongside a delegate satisfaction rating of 95 per cent and client satisfaction rating of 93 per cent,” Mr Dominello said.
“Almost $560 million (71 per cent) of the generated expenditure is derived from international and interstate visitors, resulting in over 1.5 million overnight stays in Sydney.
“The venue has enriched Darling Harbour and become a new icon in our city, underpinning Sydney’s reputation as one of the most desirable events destinations in the world.
“Like the Hong Kong Convention Centre and London Excel, ICC Sydney has cemented itself as a leading venue and helped shine the spotlight on Sydney.”
High profile events in the venue’s first year included two back-to-back sell out Jerry Seinfeld concerts, and international stars Ariana Grande, KD Lang and Nick Cave.
The venue is set to continue its stellar performance in 2018 and beyond, having already secured 1,300 leading major national and international events to 2026.
The $1.5 billion development, which opened in December 2016, comprises an industry leading convention centre, exhibition centre and a world class theatre, and is a key component of the NSW Government’s recent suite of infrastructure projects.