SYDNEY, Dec. 31 -- China has passed New Zealand to top the list of international tourists to New South Wales (NSW), the most populous state of Australia, according to Premier Barry O' Farrell.

The Premier issued a news release on Monday, saying that NSW becomes Australia's most popular destination for both domestic and international visitors in 2013.

Recent figures showed that the number of Chinese visitors has increased 18 percent in the past year.

Meanwhile, a latest International and National Visitor Survey showed Chinese tourists stayed more than 11.6 million nights and contributed 1.4 billion Australian dollars (about 1.25 billion U.S. dollars) to the NSW economy, an increase of 178.5 million dollars (about 160 million U.S. dollars) on the previous year.

O'Farrell said NSW is experiencing a Chinese tourism boom, making the state's tourism-related industries every reason to be optimistic about the year ahead.

The state government also promised to ensure NSW to be the top choice for Chinese families when they are making holiday plans.