20 Jan 2023

TDU returns | Record tourism spend | Flood support

A very eventful start to the year with record tourism spend, international major events back and some positive signs from the Murray River with the first restrictions lifted this week.

It’s been terrific to get out and see some iconic South Australian locations in my first two weeks, including up to the Riverland, Murray River Lakes and Coorong, the Barossa and down to the Fleurieu. Thank you to everyone I have met along the way, and for the warm welcome I have received.

Having arrived in Adelaide in time to see the Santos Tour Down Under in full flight has been a blessing. It has given me a real insight into how the event is delivered, and what a great impact it has in the city and in the regions. We’ve seen very strong crowds lining the routes – and lots of people in coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. I’m looking forward to seeing the final men’s stage on Sunday, which will finish at Mt Lofty for the first time. The global television broadcast has already taken South Australia to the world – and I'm sure we’re in for a strong finish on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking of strong, we’ve today released the October 2022 National Visitor Survey data – and it was an all-time record. At $929 million, it is the closest the state has been to $1 Billion spent by tourists in one month. The record-high was driven by continued strength in the domestic market, with expenditure up almost one third on the same period in 2019. In fact, it was the highest ever month on record. You can read more here.

Emma Terry
Chief Executive

Read Industry Update - 20 January 2023