Adelaide records highest hotel occupancy as cars roll into town

South Australia’s blockbuster events season has already made the record books, with the first of a spate of major events spurring an all-time high for CBD hotels.

New data shows a record-breaking number of hotel rooms were filled for the inaugural Harvest Rock music, food, wine and brew festival.

The Saturday of the festival saw 9,105 room nights occupied in Adelaide, toppling the previous record of 9,001 rooms occupied and driving occupancy to 91 per cent, the highest post-pandemic occupancy rate.

Adelaide’s visitor economy is set for another high-octane boost this week, with the spectacular finale of the Shannons Adelaide Rally heralding the start of the VALO Adelaide 500 week.

Ticket sales for this year’s event are going strong, with more than 250,000 people expected to attend.

The State Government has today committed $2 million over four years to provide four years of certainty for the Adelaide Rally.

The funding will be provided in next month’s Mid-Year Budget Review.

The Adelaide Rally is the largest tarmac rally of its type in the world, attracting participants and spectators from interstate and overseas.

Next year’s event is expected to be even bigger, with an urban night stage and second town stage planned.

The 2023 Adelaide Rally will occur one week prior to the Adelaide 500 on 17-19 November.

STR data shows Saturday 19 November 2022 (Saturday of Harvest Rock):

• 9,105 room nights occupied, the highest on record.
• Occupancy was 91% – this is on par with occupancy during the T-20 semi-final, the highest post-COVID occupancy rate.

Premier, Peter Malinauskas said it was a clear demonstration of the economic value of the State Government’s approach to major events.

"By securing big events and bringing back the Adelaide 500, we are filling hotels, bars, restaurants and pubs, businesses which all suffered through the pandemic," Premier Malinauskas said.

"Our decision to secure the VALO Adelaide 500 in November/December means we can spread out visitors across the year.

"We’ve also delivered on our promise to bring back the Motorsport Festival in March, a week out from the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix, giving even more reason for international visitors to stop, stay and spend in our state."

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said it has been an incredible start to what will be a festival season to remember.

"We’ve already hit the highest room nights occupied in Adelaide than ever before and reached a new post-pandemic occupancy record," Minister Bettison said.

"With strong hotel forward bookings for the VALO Adelaide 500 which will only get higher as the weekend draws closer, our city tourism operators are set to reap the rewards of South Australia’s back-to-back major events."

CEO SA Motor Sport Board, Mark Warren said it is exciting for the 2022 VALO Adelaide 500 this week.

"The precinct is looking amazing, the weather forecast is promising and there is a buzz in the air," Mr Warren said.

"We can’t wait to welcome fans back through the gates on Thursday after more than 1000 days since the last event.

"With a bumper on track line-up, including a fitting farewell to Holden, and a huge after-race concert series, we are sure the Supercars season finale will be epic.

"South Australia is synonymous with motorsport and today is an opportunity to showcase what we have to offer. It’s good to be back."

CEO Massive Events Corp, Tim Possingham, said it was thrilling that the state is investing in motorsport and can see a bright long-term future ahead for events like the Shannons Adelaide Rally and Adelaide Motorsport Festival.

"In South Australia, we have a unique offering, with a beautiful racing circuit in such close proximity to the city and incredible tourism destinations," Mr Possingham said.

"Clustering events like the Shannons Adelaide Rally and the VALO Adelaide 500 allows visitors to get the most out of their visit and see everything the State has to offer."