Your latest SA Tourism news

Last week we launched our new South Australia Tourism Plan 2030, which sets forward a direction to drive growth across our sector. It is important that we turn our Plan into results, which is why we are now working on an Action Plan to support our strategy. I will discuss this more at our next industry webinar next Thursday, 10 July. See more details further below.

To support drought affected communities, the $400,000 Drought Relief Regional Event Fund has now opened for applications. It will provide financial support to events that engage community, foster connection, drive visitation, and support resilience in regions hardest impacted by drought. 

Up to $75,000 will be available per event and provided as a single year agreement, prioritising events that take place before 30 June 2026.

Applications close 5pm, Thursday 24 July.

As outlined in our refreshed South Australia Tourism Plan 2030, nature and place is one of our top three competitive drivers.

The Experience Nature Tourism Fund is now open for applications, with grants up to $50,000 for new and improved nature-based tourism products and experiences in or near a national park, reserve, wilderness protection area or marine park.

Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 19 August.

Illuminate Adelaide is shining a light on our CBD, with the fifth edition set to be the best yet. The program is already proving popular, with headlining show Horizons adding a second session at Adelaide Oval on Friday 18 July. Another program highlight is the collaboration with a variety of bars and restaurants to help spotlight our food and beverage – another great example of our competitive drivers working together to attract visitors.

Finally, we have some changes to the SATC Board, with Donna Gauci and Justyna Jochym stepping down. I would like to thank both of them for their service to our industry whilst on the Board. We welcome Vicki-Jo Russell to the Board, who will provide great guidance for our Tourism for Good aspirations. Vicki-Jo has been a driving force in biodiversity conservation in South Australia for over twenty-five years and has experience in tourism and events through her role at Zoos SA and as Chair of the Nature Festival.

Emma Terry

Chief Executive Officer
South Australian Tourism Commission

Read full Industry Update - 3 July 2025