SA tourism operators hop-timistic about multi-million-dollar boost

South Australia’s tourism industry is set for an almost $150 million boost this Easter long weekend, in what is being forecasted as a near record domestic visitor spend for the four-day break.

Data shows it is thanks to Adelaide hotel occupancy reaching the highest in the nation, strong interstate visitation, international tourists returning, and the traditional surge in South Australians taking a holiday in regional SA.

Latest South Australian Tourism Commission statistics reveal:

• Total visitor expenditure over the four-day Easter weekend in South Australia is estimated to be $148.6 million
• Campground bookings for the upcoming Easter break are at 80-100 per cent capacity for many of South Australia’s prime sites
• Average hotel occupancy in Adelaide for the month of March 2022 was the highest of any city across the nation – at 75 per cent, it was 12 per cent higher than the second-placed city, Gold Coast; and more than 22 per cent above occupancy in Sydney CBD
• Average occupancy of cabins in caravan parks across South Australia for the month of March 2022 was the highest for any state or territory across the nation (13 percentage points above the national average) and hit the highest in mainland Australia for powered sites in the same period (19 percentage points above the national average).
• The Adelaide Airport recorded one of its busiest days on record, with more than 25,000 passengers transiting through the terminal yesterday.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison:

With our borders open and COVID restrictions consistent with much of the country, we’re seeing tourism operators across South Australia reaping the rewards.

Last month, hotels across Adelaide enjoyed the highest occupancy rates of any city across Australia – making our city not only the nation’s most liveable but one of the most sought-after too – and the same nation-leading status can be said for caravan parks across the state.

This Easter break will inject nearly $149 million through our visitor economy, with even more to follow over the next fortnight of school holidays and the Anzac Day long weekend – and it’s thanks to a sense of certainty in business and travel in South Australia that we haven’t seen in years.

Quotes attributable to South Australian Tourism Commission chair Andrew Bullock:

I’m hearing from operators in Kangaroo Island, Flinders Ranges & Outback, Riverland and the Fleurieu Peninsula that there’s a been a real uptick in interstate visitors, they’re enjoying more bookings from international tourists, and there’s continued support from locals.

The pent-up travel demand coupled with a surge in confidence is boosting tourism in our city and across regional SA – putting our state out in front and providing a real sense of optimism that we’re on the road to recovering to our once $8.1 Billion visitor economy.

Quotes attributable to West Beach Parks chief executive Kate Anderson:

West Beach Parks has a full house this Easter and we can’t wait to welcome guests, new and returning, from both SA and interstate.

It really is wonderful to see so many people enjoying travel and exploring our fantastic state again.

We’re also looking busier than ever for Autumn school holidays with many families choosing to enjoy a few days of R&R at West Beach Parks.