Tourism
South Australia is emerging as a leading international tourist destination, particularly in eco tourism experiences.
More international tourists visited South Australia in 2006 than ever before.
Home to leading international tourism events such as the Adelaide Festival of Arts, WOMADelaide international music festival, Fringe Festival, Clipsal 500 V8 Supercar Race, International Rugby Sevens Adelaide and the Tour Down Under international cycling race, South Australia has attracted growing foreign investment in tourism over the past 20 years.
Major projects supporting this tourism growth include construction of Adelaide’s award-winning international airport, the Adelaide Convention Centre and the National Wine Centre, as well as upgrading of the Sky City Adelaide Casino.
South Australia is famous for its world-class wine, food, historical and cultural attractions and iconic nature experiences. These include swimming with sea lions, whale watching, exploring the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves, cruising the unspoilt waterways of the Murray River and the Coorong, and visiting the pristine Kangaroo Island.
Overview
South Australia’s $4 billion tourism industry provides unique investment and business opportunities to tourism operators from around the globe.
Opportunities exist for investors to help promote South Australia as a tourist destination to new and growth markets, including China, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and the UK.
Output
• $3.9 billion tourism revenue in the year ended September 2006 , with a target of $6.3 billion by 2014.
• Estimated $2.9 billion income in 2002-03.
Source: South Australian Tourism Commission 2006, International Travel to South Australia 2005/06.
Exports
• 350,700 overseas visitors spent 7.5 million nights in South Australia in the 12 months to September 2006.
• Most international visitors are from the UK, Europe, USA and New Zealand.
• 1.9 million interstate visitors spent 9.2 million nights in the State in the 12 months to September 2006.
• Most interstate visitors are from Victoria and New South Wales.
Employment
• Estimated at 38,370 in 2006-07.
Workforce Information Service
Number of businesses
• More than 1,700 businesses in 2006 providing tourist accommodation, attraction, tour and hire services.
• Most tourism operators are small businesses.
Research and development
• South Australia’s tourism industry is supported in developing innovative tourism projects through government programs such as the Australian Tourism Development Program.
Geographic Focus
• South Australia’s most visited locations, in descending order, are Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula, Limestone Coast and Flinders Ranges/Outback.
Case studies
Kangaroo Island SeaLink Pty Ltd
Hosting the World’s Tourism Industry
More International Flights for South Australia
Industry groups
Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority
Australian Federation of Travel Agents
Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch)
Australian Tourism Export Council
Caravan Parks Association of SA Inc
Ecotourism Australia
Houseboat Hirers’ Association Inc
International Air Transport Association
Restaurant & Catering SA
SA Bed & Breakfast Town & Country Assoc
South Australian Tourism Alliance
South Australian Tourism Commission
Tourism Australia
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