South Australia Tourism Plan 2030
I am excited today to share with you our new South Australia Tourism Plan 2030.
The Plan, which is for the whole of our sector, was developed in consultation with more than 400 representatives from our industry across all 12 tourism regions. It reaffirms the commitment to grow the State’s visitor economy to $12.8 billion and support a further 4,400 jobs by 2030.
But this is about much more than economic targets alone.
The South Australia Tourism Plan 2030 focuses on three key priorities:
- Increasing South Australia’s appeal to drive demand
- Delivering new and evolving products and experiences, and
- Positioning tourism as a force for good.
On that last point, we are excited to partner with the Tourism Industry Council of South Australia in delivering what we call the ‘True South’ visitor experience, where people, planet and place are celebrated. This opportunity really resonated with industry who attended our roadshows last year and presents a real opportunity for South Australia to deliver a visitor experience where tourism has meaningful impact for visitors, our community and the place we live.
The Tourism Plan 2030 replaces the Visitor Economy Sector Plan 2030, which was released in 2019 and reflects the changing operating environment that we continue to face together.
More funds for regional events and nature experiences
The $400,000 Drought Relief Regional Event Fund to support drought-affected communities and the fourth round of our Experience Nature Tourism Development Fund both open for applications next week.
From next week, event organisers and businesses can apply for the $400,000 Drought Relief Regional Event Fund to host events in South Australia’s drought-affected regions.
The Funding is part of the State Government’s Drought Support Package, aiming to support events which will engage community, foster connection, and drive visitation to regions hardest hit by drought and adverse weather conditions over recent seasons.
Applications will open from 12pm, Tuesday 1 July until 5pm, Thursday 24 July.
For those in or looking to establish or grow nature tourism products, the next round of our Experience Nature Tourism Fund also opens next week.
Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 for new and improved nature-based tourism products in or near a national park, reserve, wilderness protection area or marine park.
This is the fourth round of the funding program, which has already supported 46 projects across our State, unlocking almost $2.5 million in combined project value.
Applications will open from 9am, Tuesday 1 July until 5pm, Tuesday 19 August 2025.
The Experience Nature Tourism Fund and Drought Relief Regional Event Fund are just two ways we’re supporting our industry to deliver evolving products and experiences and drive economic and social benefits for our regions.
I invite you to view the Tourism Plan 2030 and also join us for a webinar at 11am on Thursday, 10 July where we will step through the plan. To attend, please register by 5pm, Wednesday 9 July.
Emma Terry
Chief Executive Officer
South Australian Tourism Commission
Read full Industry Update - 25 June 2025