10 Nov 2020

State Budget 2020-21 - key tourism outcomes

State Treasurer Hon Rob Lucas has today handed down his 2020-21 Budget.

Mr Lucas said today that the Budget recognises the substantial ongoing challenges arising from COVID-19 and the bushfires, and that he has responded accordingly with a total stimulus package of $4 billion. This package will leverage an additional $1 billion of Commonwealth, local government and business spending ensuring a total stimulus package of $5 billion.

Key tourism outcomes include:

  • An extra $32 million over four years to secure major leisure events and conventions to further drive future visitation and economic development of the state, building on significant funding previously provided by the state. This will include the new Illuminate event, which will run over two weeks and three weekends in July.
  • Funds saved by not promoting South Australia into international markets will be redirected into domestic sales pitches.

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said it was pleasing additional funds had been allocated for new events and for convention bidding, and that nature-based tourism was also recognised as an important piece of the state’s broader tourism suite, with the Parks 2025 Strategy receiving funding of $32 million over four years. 

“We are pleased to see there is dedicated money set aside to ensure South Australia can continue to bid for events and festivals, as well as secure more conventions to the state. Events and festivals generate more than $375 million in tourism expenditure each year and are a great opportunity to showcase SA to the world,” he said.

A summary of announcements is below:

TOURISM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT FUND

$20m over 2020-21 and 2021-22

Grant program to stimulate private sector investment in new and improved regional accommodation, and the development of quality tourism products and experiences.

TOURISM MARKETING

More than $120m over 4 years

Marketing will be directed to markets that are open to tourists. Funding allocated for international markets will be directed to domestic markets while international travel remains restricted.

GREAT STATE TRAVEL VOUCHERS

$4m in 2020-21

Vouchers up to $100 for accommodation across the state to further boost the visitor economy and local jobs. Funded from existing resources.

EVENT AND CONVENTION BID FUNDING

$32m over 4 years

To secure major leisure events and conventions to further drive future visitation and economic development of the state, building on significant funding previously provided by the state. Funding allocated to the Adelaide 500 will be added to this fund.

For the full SA State Budget 2020-21 papers, go to statebudget.sa.gov.au.