Business events breaking records for Adelaide hotel occupancy
Major business events have made a significant contribution to Adelaide breaking hotel occupancy records in October, achieving the first and second strongest number of room nights occupied ever.
Latest figures from hotel data analytics firm STR, show the nights of Tuesday 22 October and Wednesday 23 October recorded 10,416 and 10,279 room nights occupied respectively across greater metropolitan Adelaide.
These occupancy results are on the back of a series of major business events being held at Adelaide Convention Centre across this period including the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) National Conference 2024. They also smash the previous record set by Port Adelaide’s AFL quarter final clash against Hawthorn on Friday 13 September which saw 10,185 room nights occupied.
Business events are an important economic driver for the state. They also provide fantastic opportunities to showcase South Australia as a must-visit destination to discerning business visitors from across the nation and globe.
In 2024, South Australia hosted a diverse range of business events. These include the Asia Pacific Hotel & Industry Conference, for the fourth year running, attracting a record 1,500 delegates from over 40 countries as well as the Australian Cruise Association Annual Conference.
Adelaide Convention Centre General Manager Sarah Goldfinch said the Adelaide Convention Centre is proud to be a key driver of South Australia’s visitor economy.
October is always a peak conference period in Adelaide and this year was no exception. It’s been fantastic to welcome a series of major conferences and events in recent weeks, with the Centre at near capacity," Ms Goldfinch said.
"The ACCPA National Conference 2024 was a particular standout, drawing a record 2,442 delegates to inject over $10 million in economic benefit into the South Australian economy.
"The momentum is set to continue throughout November and December as we play host to a further 20 major business events before the end of the year. Together, these are forecast to bring an additional 7,000 national and international delegates to Adelaide, generating $32 million in economic benefit. As a destination, we’re certainly continuing to benefit from the increased inventory of high-quality accommodation within the city centre."
Business Events Adelaide CEO Damien Kitto said Adelaide, South Australia is the destination of choice for business events.
"Our state is building an enviable reputation for business event organisers seeking a strong industry narrative and inspiration from world leading expertise in fields including health, medical and life sciences research, space, defence, renewables and everything in between," Mr Kitto said.
"Pair this with our boutique city which includes luxury hotels, high quality business event venues, our relaxed way of life and easy access to stunning regions such as the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula and the reasons to choose Adelaide as a business events destination add up to success."
The Strathmore Hotel owner David Basheer said business and leisure events provide fantastic benefits to Adelaide’s hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs and cafes, drawing visitors to the CBD and surrounding areas.
"In recent weeks we have had a spate of lucrative conferences, as diversified as a group of educational leaders to a Geochemistry symposium. They bring new money into the State, and they all have an appetite to spend," Mr Basheer said.
"Conferences like these give us the confidence to continue to invest in our property and ensure our 120 South Australian employees enjoy full pay packets."