Adelaide claims new top spot

Adelaide has claimed a new number one status – with CBD hotels enjoying the highest occupancy of any major city across Australia and New Zealand.

Average occupancy for Adelaide accommodation in May 2022 was so high, it is a new post-pandemic record and tops occupancy levels in the same period in 2019.

At 79 per cent average occupancy, Adelaide has outperformed the nation. In comparison, Sydney ranked seventh and Melbourne eleventh out of the 14 major cities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Latest statistics from the South Australian Tourism Commission* show:

• Average occupancy for Adelaide accommodation in May 2022 was 79%. This was the best result for Adelaide accommodation since the pandemic began, and higher than the equivalent period pre-COVID (May 2019).
• Adelaide accommodation occupancy ranked number one across 14 cities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

*Source: global data analytics firm, STR.

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said it is fantastic to see such strong results for the CBD and the recovery of our visitor economy.

"We know the city was hit hard during the pandemic – so to see it coming back busier than ever, to reach a new post-pandemic record and to have the highest occupancy of any other city in Australia shows the strength of tourism in our state," she said.

"It means more visitors into businesses, more spending in cafes, restaurants, bars and retail, and importantly, a boost to local jobs."

Australian Hotels Association (AHA) SA general manager Ian Horne said SA has had a great couple of months.

"With events back in the city, and with leisure and business travel returning, we’re seeing more people coming into the CBD to stay and play – and more importantly, pumping up confidence in the sector," he said.

"To hit a record high is a real confidence boost for our state, and for the thousands of people employed in tourism and hospitality in South Australia."