Why this Australian city is the third ‘stickiest’ in the world

Most residents visit their inner city for an event or purpose. Yet, those who lingered longer, reported a more positive experience. 

A recent Gensler Research Institute survey looked at the frequency and length of visits to a city (or its ‘stickiness’) from its residents. While most residents said they liked their city, the amount of time they spent there didn’t always reflect this.

Sydney was the only Australian city included in the report, yet was the third most ‘stickiest’ city in the world, after Cairo and Stockholm. This means the perception of Sydney being a vibrant place to visit was also reflected in the number of Sydneysiders visiting the harbour city. 

The survey divided visitors into four groups. These were reluctant visitors, errand runners, special-event visitors and enthusiasts. Globally, most visitors to their city fell into the “reluctant” category. They had to visit the CBD for a reason. However, the easier it was to walk around a city and explore, the longer people stayed. 

According to the data, vibrant cities that successfully convert reluctant visitors into enthusiasts share five key attributes: high aesthetic appeal, active after-hours programming, a strong sense of personal safety, diverse activities, and excellent public lighting.

Conversely, residents stay away because the “pull” isn’t strong enough, or heavy friction—like frustrating parking and poor walkability, which makes visiting too difficult.

Ultimately, the world’s stickiest cities succeed by making it easy to arrive, giving people a reason to explore, and rewarding them for staying longer.

Read more by downloading the global Downtown Report from Smart Cities Dive.