The value of heritage in New South Wales

From attracting visitors to delivering strong returns on public investment, heritage plays an important role in the New South Wales economy and communities.

Background research

We know that:

• $9.6 billion was spent by cultural and heritage visitors to New South Wales in 2024.

This amount refers to people participating in activities such as:

• visiting historical heritage buildings, sites or monuments
• visiting museums or art galleries
• attending theatre, concerts or other performing arts
• visiting an art or craft workshop or studio
• attending festivals, fairs or other cultural events
• experiencing Aboriginal art, craft or cultural displays or performances
• visiting an Aboriginal site or community.

This expenditure has been steadily growing each year.

We also know that:

• 14.7 million people visited New South Wales to experience culture and heritage in 2024.

This number includes international and interstate visitors, as well as residents travelling around the state.

Many people travel to the regions for historical, artistic, culinary and scientific experiences. Across the state, many places are popular destinations for culture, history and heritage.

And, we know that:

• there was a 300% return on investment from NSW Heritage Grants in the last few funding rounds.

For every dollar the NSW Government awarded to heritage item owners and managers, they collectively invested another $2.99. 

How people value heritage

Our research to develop the NSW Heritage Strategy demonstrated that heritage is valued for a combination of cultural connection, place identity and practical outcomes. A survey we ran in 2024 reflected strong appreciation for heritage as a link to the past, a contributor to liveable and distinctive places, and a foundation for sustainable development and good design.

These were the top 6 survey responses selected to the question ‘Why is heritage important to you?’:

• It connects us to the past.
• It should be preserved for future generations.
• It creates a sense of belonging to a place or Country.
• It adds to the character of a place.
• Retaining and reusing heritage places contributes to sustainable development.
• I appreciate architectural features or design.

Results from this survey showed strong community agreement about the importance of protecting heritage places and the positive impact that engaging with heritage has on people’s lives. The findings highlight both widespread support for heritage conservation and the personal value people place on connecting with heritage across New South Wales.

Two donut graphs show the following:

• 78% of respondents agree or strongly agree that the protection of heritage places is important to them.
• 69% of respondents agree or strongly agree that their life is richer for having the opportunity to engage with heritage.