Private investment a vote of confidence in South Australia's tourism industry
More than $272 million in private investment has been announced for three major tourism properties in South Australia over the past week, indicating a vote of confidence in the state’s tourism industry.
The sod was turned to signal the start of construction on the $200 million Marriott Hotel development at Adelaide’s historic GPO site, and a major renovation worth $32 million was announced for one of Adelaide’s most iconic hotels, the InterContinental Adelaide. During the same period, the G’Day Group released its golf resort masterplan for the Fleurieu Peninsula, as part of a $40 million upgrade to McCracken Country Club.
South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex welcomed the boost in private investment in the state’s tourism sector, as it recovers from the challenges of the global pandemic.
“This multi-million investment in Adelaide and in one of South Australia’s most popular tourism regions, is a massive shot in the arm for our visitor economy,” said Mr Harrex.
“It comes as we’ve seen occupancy in regional SA reach its highest on record, and CBD hotels hit their highest occupancy since the pandemic began – so this is well-timed and will see our state continues to punch well above its weight.
“With the support of tourism stimulus like our Great State Voucher program, we’ve generated more than 62,000 room night bookings and a flow-on spending of over $32 million into the state’s visitor economy, and there’s another round of accommodation vouchers launching later this month.
“It is very positive signs in the hotel and tourism sector, and certainly tracks in the right direction as we chart the state’s recovery toward its once record-breaking $8.1 Billion.”
GPO Marriott Hotel – construction has started on a new $200 million 16-story luxury hotel to tower above Adelaide’s historic GPO site on King William Street. The first Marriott hotel in SA, it will feature 285 rooms, a presidential suite, club lounge, restaurants and bars, swimming pool and fitness centre, and function and conference rooms.
InterContinental Adelaide – an extensive $32 million refurbishment of one of Adelaide’s most iconic luxury hotels and a landmark on the Adelaide skyline. It will include a refurbishment of all 367 guestrooms and suites, upgrades to meeting and event spaces, a refreshed restaurant and bar, enhancements to the hotel’s award-winning Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, Shiki, and a new InterContinental Club Lounge space and experience. It will also see a revamp of the hotel’s entrance, lobby, hallways and lifts.
McCracken Country Club – the masterplan includes a splash park, flying fox, playground, jumping pillow, minigolf, more than 60 new 2-bedroom units and over 100 powered caravan sites, as well as a refurbishment to existing accommodation, new amenities and camp kitchen. It includes a vision to have one of the best restaurants in the region, with a large alfresco bar.