Refers to people who come to a venue, event, or exhibition. Often used in formal or business contexts for counting or describing attendees.
The number of visitors to the exhibition increased compared to the previous year.
来場者の皆様に感謝申し上げます。
We thank all attendees for coming.
観客 is specifically for spectators at performances or sports, whereas 来場者 is broader and includes any visitor to a venue.
Compound of 来場 (らいじょう, 'coming to a venue') + 者 (しゃ, 'person').