South Australia lacks appeal for domestic visitors

While more Australians are holiday at home, South Australian remains the least appealing mainland destination for domestic tourists.

The latest National Visitor Survey revealed more locals holidayed in South Australia in 2012/13 - up 127,000 on 2011/12 - but stayed 302,000 fewer nights.

While South Australia hosted 119,000 more overnight visitors from other States and the number of nights stayed rose by 136,000 during 2012/13, the state only received 7% of all Australian travellers.

NSW attracted 33% while Victoria and Queensland each received 24%.

Commenting on the figures, Liberal Party Leader of the Opposition in the South Australian Legislative Council and State Opposition tourism spokesperson David Ridgway stated "South Australia has it all, magnificent beaches and coastlines, rugged outback ranges, sophisticated night-life, vineyards and the Mighty Murray, but visitors are staying away."

He called for additional promotional funds for individual state regions.

However, South Australian Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said almost 50% of domestic tourism expenditure was being generated within regional areas and SA Tourism Commission's Best Backyard campaign, was "paying dividends".

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