In a report by Museums and Galleries NSW released last week, 38 per cent of respondents said the main reason they visited centre was because they were holidaying in Parramatta.

The centre was also highly rated as a cultural experience with 99 per cent of respondents indicating their experience was "good or terrific''.

"This report cements Parramatta as a city of high cultural standing and reiterates Tourism NSW's research released earlier this year that the region is developing as a tourist destination in its own right,'' the Lord Mayor, Paul Barber, said.

The report shows that more than half the visitors to the centre are interested in tours, a result higher than the greater western Sydney average.

About one in four respondents expressed interest in attending live music, art/craft fairs and performance/theatre events at the centre.

"Exciting new projects including Parramatta Stories, a series of interactive heritage tours, just received a Rudd Labor Government investment of $500,000 and will provide an even more memorable experience for visitors and the local community,'' Cr Barber said.