More than 20 million visitors flocked to regional areas and spent close to $10 billion in the 12 months to September 2016.

The Illawarra attracted 1,054,000 domestic overnight visitors in that time period, representing a rise of 0.4 per cent on the previous year.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the National Visitor Survey data released by Tourism Research Australia shows efforts to drive tourism growth is working.

“More than 29 million domestic visitors traveled to NSW, staying 94 million nights, and spending $16.5 billion with 60 per cent of this expenditure in our regions,” Mr Ayers said.

“This is fantastic news for our regional hotels, restaurants and businesses. Importantly this growth in tourism means more jobs.”

It comes as more than 5000 people are set to disembark the Voyager of the Seas cruise liner which docks at Port Kembla on December 27.