Tourism spend hits $10.2 billion record
Our industry has hit an impressive milestone, with visitor expenditure surpassing the 10-billion-dollar mark for the first time.
Latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows total visitor expenditure in South Australia reached $10.2 billion for the year-ending September 2023, and our international expenditure has surpassed its pre pandemic value to hit a record $1.22 billion.
This is great news as we continue to work to increase international access to the state and ensure South Australia is top of mind in our key global markets.
Maintaining the momentum is a key priority within competitive and dynamic market conditions. Because of this, it is even more important we continue delivering on demand drivers like our marketing program, major events and growing key sectors like cruise.
One of those demand-driving major events, the Santos Tour Down Under wrapped up on the weekend. It has been fantastic to see our stunning landscapes broadcast across the globe, while local businesses filled with visitors.
Announced today, round two of our Experience Nature Tourism Fund will support 15 products across SA, with more than $464,000 in grants unlocking over $764,000 in combined project value.
Experiences such as walking tours in national parks across the Limestone Coast and an Aboriginal cultural tour in Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park are among those being supported to help operators to attract more domestic and international visitors, while showcasing our state’s natural landscapes.
The second round of funding brings the total allocated through the Fund to date to nearly $1 million in grants generating a combined project value of almost $1.6 million.
There have been some great steps forward in recovery for our Murray River regions, with 14 operators in low-lying areas receiving a combined $315,000 in grants as part of our Mid Murray River Tourism Business Support Program. The boost to these significantly impacted businesses will support critical recovery projects and help increase the overall value of tourism products available in our Murray River regions.
We’ve had a great response to our new marketing initiative as part of our broader road trips campaign which has seen bakery bags featuring iconic SA road trips distributed to more than 50 bakeries across the state. The unique initiative aims to make visitors hungry to discover more of SA by road and leverages the boost in visitation thanks to school holidays and the Santos Tour Down Under.
Emma Terry
Chief Executive Officer
South Australian Tourism Commission
