Vivid Sydney 2022 has smashed attendance records, with data showing total visitor numbers were up 7.5 per cent on 2019 to 2.58 million.
The festival of light, music and ideas event celebrated its largest-ever opening night, with over 140,000 attendees, plus the biggest opening weekend in the event’s history, with 440,000 attendees on the footprint.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney had brought the city together and turbocharged the night-time economy.
“Vivid Sydney put our city’s vibrant culture in the spotlight and drew millions of patrons to live music venues, restaurants, bars and hotels,” Mr Ayres said.
“Beyond the good vibes and bright lights are very strong economic benefits from Vivid Sydney.”
“2.1 million visitors enjoyed a sit-down or take-away meal at the festival, with people dining in restaurants up 24 per cent on 2019. That’s a phenomenal result that confirms the NSW Government’s efforts to energise the 24-hour economy and revitalise the CBD are working.”
Vivid Sydney 2022 was also a winner with families, with thousands of prams counted on the footprint across the festival’s 23 nights.
“From its inclusive and diverse programming to its longest ever 8km Light Walk, Vivid Sydney was a multi-generational triumph. It offered something to captivate every age and demographic,” Mr Ayres said.
“The festival is set to offer even more for attendees when it adds Vivid Food to the mix in 2023. Vivid Food will promote creativity, innovation and stimulate visitation to CBD restaurants and venues.”
Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO John Whelan Congratulated the NSW Government on Vivid Sydney 2022’s great success.
“Large events in the CBD like Vivid bring foot traffic and much needed revenue into city hotels which have suffered badly during the last two years,” Mr Whelan said.
The NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW owns, manages and produces Vivid Sydney.
