South Australia 2023/24 budget includes $20.8 million to secure and develop events

The South Australian 2023/24 Budget includes $20.8 million over four years to secure further new events and grow existing events across the state.

This is in addition to the government’s continued commitment to hosting the LIV Golf tournament and AFL Gather Round, credited with boosting business confidence by six points in the latest Business SA survey.

The events drew visitors from interstate and overseas, boosting hotels and the regions. A record turnover of $281 million was recorded in cafes, restaurants and take away food services during April, according to the ABS - up $54.9 million on the same month in April 2022, or 24%.

Other impressive events include Harvest Rock, the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, Fringe Festival, WOMADelaide and 2022 VAILO Adelaide 500.

The success of 2022 VAILO Adelaide 500 was highlighted by an attendance of 258,200 people and economic activity valued at $51.85 million. More than 12,000 people travelled to South Australia from interstate for the event, with an estimated 96,671 visitor nights in South Australia due to the event.

To build on this success, an additional $3.5million will be provided to the VALO Adelaide 500 in 2023 to procure more shading for grandstand areas with an ongoing $3.5million each year to ensure its ongoing quality. This funding is in addition to the $16million per year already budgeted.

As pledged during the election, the SA Government is supporting the Arts providing the Adelaide Film Festival with an additional $500,000 each year to enable the festival to be staged annually.

The move will elevate the profile of the State’s film sector internationally, at a time when Australian films are shining on the world stage and cement the Adelaide Film Festival as a fixture on the global creative calendar.

SA Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison notes “the economic benefit of investing in major events has been well demonstrated over the last few months.

“Major events are vital for the state, as they generate strong demand and record-breaking bookings for our tourism and hospitality industry.

“Beyond this, major events do a fantastic job of telling South Australia’s story through media and broadcast coverage, bringing communities together creating a wonderful sense of pride and contributing strongly to South Australia’s brand.

“There is a great sense of pride within Adelaide and within the tourism and hospitality industry creating a momentum never seen before in SA.”

Image. VALO Adelaide 500 Credit: Adelaide 500