Cruise returning to SA, regional visits, new advice for travellers & operators
In a major step forward for the recovery of South Australia’s visitor economy, more cruises are set for our state’s shores this upcoming cruise season than we saw pre pandemic.
I joined the Minister for Tourism the Honourable Zoe Bettison today for a media call at Outer Harbor to mark the occasion, as well as Flinders Ports CEO Stewart Lammin and Phil Hoffmann Travel managing director Phil Hoffmann.
There are 101 cruises scheduled for SA in 2022-23, topping the 82 visits made in 2018-19 – when the sector contributed $145 million to our state. It starts with the first cruise ship on 17 September, Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess which will visit Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Penneshaw on multiple itineraries and carry up to 2,000 passengers.
From the Riverland to the Limestone Coast and Adelaide Hills, I’ve been visiting operators and industry stakeholders across the regions. The general feeling has been one of optimism, with reports of strong forward bookings and pent up travel demand.
In the Riverland, I got to experience the first of three regional activations of Illuminate Adelaide – a tremendous installation that has transformed the riverbank precinct in Renmark. In the Hills, I attended an Adelaide Hills Tourism networking event, and in the Limestone Coast I joined the Minister and operators for a Tourism Roundtable as well as making some site visits.
It is always so beneficial to hear from operators directly and I am buoyed by what I have heard on the ground.
As we continue to chart our recovery in SA, I point you to some helpful advice for travellers who test positive to COVID-19 while on holiday or travelling through our state, as well as some information for operators about how to assist guests who are isolating. See the advice from SA Health.
Read on for details and other updates.
Rodney Harrex
Chief Executive
All shipshape for cruising in South Australia
Cruising will make a buoyant return to SA, with more ships set for the state’s shores in 2022-23 than prior to the pandemic.
With 101 cruises scheduled for SA in the upcoming season, it is on track to top the 82 visits made in what was a bumper season in 2018-19.
The first cruise ship scheduled for SA is Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess (pictured) on 17 September. With up to 2000 passengers and 895 crew, the Coral Princess will visit Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Penneshaw on multiple itineraries through to April 2023.
Other cruise ships set for SA include P&O’s Pacific Explorer, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, and Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas.
Tasting Australia Winter Series returns
On the back of blockbuster crowds at the 2022 Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel, the nation’s premier eating and drinking festival is making a comeback.
From 1-31 July, the Tasting Australia Winter Series will present events across Adelaide and regional SA to entice foodies to discover our state’s producers, produce and places – boosting visitation and expenditure across our state in the cooler months.
Over the ten-day 2022 festival, Tasting Australia attracted more than 60,000 visitors through the Town Square festival hub – the biggest crowd since the pandemic began – and more than 200 events drove hungry visitors across our state, helping recover South Australia’s visitor economy.
Check out the Winter Series program
Help inform the future of sustainable tourism in SA
Sustainability is becoming more important in the decision-making process of consumers, businesses, and the wider community.
As a state looking to the future, it is important to get the balance right and ensure our tourism industry works for everyone.
In this context, the South Australian Tourism Commission is developing a Sustainable Tourism Strategy. While still in its preliminary stages, we are looking to develop an understanding of what sustainable tourism is, its importance and what areas are of priority to industry.
Survey closes at 5pm on Thursday, 30 June 2022.
Stage set for world's biggest cabaret festival
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival has kicked off, enticing thousands of festivalgoers into our CBD to help boost visitation and expenditure over 12 days.
In 2021, more than 34,000 tickets were sold. This year brings iconic performer Tina Arena as festival director and a program of outstanding local, national and international artists.
Helping cement SA's reputation as a vibrant arts and cultural destination, the festival is helping our state reach its 2025 visitor expenditure target of $1.4 Billion spent on arts and cultural tourism.
Whale watching makes a splash in SA
Some of the best whale watching spots are here in South Australia, and June to September is the time to see these gentle giants.
Whale watching tours are on offer in Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu and Eyre Peninsulas.
The SATC is helping make the most of the season with a list of the best spots for whale watching in SA.
Grants for Adelaide businesses to revitalise streets and laneways
Grants from $2,000 to $10,000 are available for small businesses, organisations and property owners in eligible precinct zones in the CBD and North Adelaide to improve 'shopfronts' and street-front outdoor dining areas.
Jointly funded by the City of Adelaide and the State Government, the grants aim to support operators to attract more visitors and improve the experience of their patrons.
Applications close 11 July 2022.
Advice for COVID-19 positive travellers in SA
SA Health has provided helpful advice for people who test positive to COVID-19 while on holiday or travelling through South Australia.
It also includes information for accommodation providers about how to help guests who have tested positive to COVID-19 complete their isolation while keeping staff safe.
See advice from SA Health
View the Industry Update – 11 June 2022.