South Australia marks 11 consecutive months of record-high tourism spend

Recently released data from Tourism Research Australia shows visitors to South Australia spent $765 million in June 2023 – marking South Australia’s eleventh consecutive month of record-high tourism spend.

The new June high is up 35% on pre pandemic levels making it the best June on record.

South Australia’s June result was driven by growth in spend from interstate and international overnight visitors, up 14 and 65% respectively on June 2019, as well as the domestic day trips market, up 121% from $106 million to $234 million.

June was boosted by the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and a series of conferences which attracted a combined nearly 6,000 delegates which shows the importance of Government investment in both leisure and business events.

Hotel occupancy data from STR backs in the new tourism figures, with Adelaide accommodation recording the best June on record for the number of room nights occupied.

Accommodation in regional South Australia also recorded a strong June, with room nights occupied up 26% on the same month pre pandemic.

June 2023 highlights:

• A total $765 million in visitor expenditure in South Australia for the month of June 2023 – making it the best June on record.

• Interstate overnight visitor spend of $175 million – up 14% on June 2019

• International overnight visitor spend of $88 million – up 65% on June 2019

• Domestic day trips spend of $234 million – up 121% on June 2019

• Adelaide accommodation had its best June on record for room nights occupied – up 3% on June 2019

• Regional SA accommodation had a very strong June, with room nights occupied up 26% on June 2019.

The 11 months in a row of record-high visitor spend has been thanks to a resurgence in interstate expenditure and a spate of new and returning major events.

South Australia celebrated more than 23 major events, over one year – helping to drive visitor spend.

It all comes as the Art Gallery of South Australia announced today it will be extending its opening hours to cater for public demand for their major winter exhibition, opening at 9am from 11th to 17th September and closing late 7pm on the 8th, 15th and 16th September.

The next ten days will be the final opportunity to see the iconic works by two of the most influential and loved artists of the twentieth century – Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Rhana Devenport, Director Art Gallery of South Australia shared “to witness the streams of visitors leaving this exhibition everyday with beaming smiles and in vivid conversation brings immense joy.

“For the exhibition to already have surpassed visitation for any single exhibition post-Covid at AGSA demonstrates the public’s hunger for the arts and for Frida Kahlo as a twenty-first century muse who continues to be revered as a feminist and a singular political and creative force.

“We encourage our audiences to plan their visit well in advance and take advantage of the Gallery’s extended opening hours, don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity.

“Through ambitious ticketed exhibitions like Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution, as well as the Gallery’s 364- day per year offering, AGSA continues to make a powerful contribution to the State Government’s goals to grow South Australia’s visitor economy.”

SA Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison noted “South Australia’s non-stop events calendar of exclusive events has motivated visitors to commit to a trip to South Australia, and this is only set to continue with the final week of Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution, the Australian Masters Games, and the return of Harvest Rock and the VAILO Adelaide 500.

“While we mark 11 consecutive months of tourism spend at an all-time high, we must also position ourselves to overcome the challenges posed for the visitor economy during traditionally quieter tourism seasons.

“That’s why it’s so important we continue to invest in tourism and in demand-drivers like major events, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“The Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution exhibition has already exceeded the box office target with 25% of visitors attending from interstate or overseas. The event has not only been an outstanding artistic success it has driven thousands of visitors to South Australia over winter.

“This major exhibition has been another Australian exclusive complimenting the unique offering on our state’s events calendar.”

Anna Moeller, Chief Executive Australian Hotels Association (SA) added “The past 6 months have delivered many record-breaking moments for the accommodation sector and indeed the broader hospitality industry.

“Events such as the AFL Gather round and LIV Golf held earlier in the year generated incredible demand for rooms, created an absolute vibrancy around the city, filling bars and restaurants at the same time.

“Since 2019 the Adelaide CBD has seen a 20% increase in hotel rooms, and more exciting developments are in the pipeline. We must keep the momentum going to fill this additional supply, particularly as the industry has seen a softening over winter and as cost-of-living pressures start to kick in.

“Major events, a strong, visible and consistent marketing strategy and a healthy business events industry are all important demand drivers. To this end we thank the government for their commitment to continuing to invest in tourism.”

South Australian businesses are now looking forward to the warmer months with the return of cruise season commencing in October and other major events and conferences closing out the end of the year, including:

• The Royal Adelaide Show: 2-10 September 2023

• Australian Masters Games: 7 – 14 October 2023

• Adelaide Film Festival: 18 - 29 October 2023

• OzAsia Festival: 19 October – 5 November 2023

• TPS South Australia Webex Players Series: 19 October – 22 October 2023

• Harvest Rock: 28 - 29 October 2023

• Adelaide Fashion Week: 20 - 22 October 2023

• Tarnanthi: 20 October 2023 – 21 January 2024

• National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant: 4 November 2023

• Feast Festival: 1 – 19 November 2023

• Shannons Adelaide Rally: 17 – 19 November 2023

• VAILO Adelaide 500: 23 -26 November 2023