In 2019, Australia’s visitor economy was worth more than $166 billion and considered the country’s fourth largest export sector. As one of the world’s most liveable cities, Sydney has consistently placed amongst the top ten in the Global Liveability Ranking, a yearly assessment by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The global city was even named the world’s fourth most liveable city in 2023, beating out major cities like Vancouver and Geneva. 

One person who has contributed significantly to this performance is Steve Cox, CEO of Destination NSW. Part of his role is to drive the strategic direction of Destination New South Wales and the delivery of the visitor economy strategy for the state. In his exclusive interview with CBRE Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer, Phil Rowland, Cox explains the real-time strategies that his team are using to achieve economic targets and social benefits while bringing stakeholders together to make a difference to the people of NSW.  

To form a guiding blueprint for other global cities to take inspiration from, this vital conversation explores:  

• Ways to develop the visitor economy 
• Building the brand and reputation of a leading global city 
• Driving repeat visitation locally and abroad 
• How the existing built environment can be used to produce results 
• Showcasing the hidden potential of cultural ‘villages’ beyond the city’s popular landmarks 

For more insights on how to create a thriving global city, read CBRE's recent feature on how experts are building world class cities. 

If you have any questions from this episode or property topics that you’d like CBRE to answer in future episodes, please email us at: [email protected]. 

If you have any questions regarding this episode or property topics that you’d like CBRE to address in future episodes, please email us at [email protected].