South Australian Tourism Award winners announced for 2024

The Tourism Industry Council South Australia has revealed the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards winners which reflect the diversity and strength of the state’s tourism industry.

The South Australian Tourism Awards are the pinnacle of excellence within the South Australian tourism industry. Award winners were announced at a Gala Dinner on 1st November.

With over 30 categories recognising the state’s most exceptional tourism businesses, more than half of the winners were small and medium-sized enterprises, showcasing the significant role local businesses play in driving South Australia’s tourism industry.

Almost all winners are Quality & Sustainable Tourism Accredited, demonstrating the industry’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of excellence and sustainability.

The People’s Choice Awards, voted by the public, were awarded to Monarto Safari Park for Tourism Experiences/Services and BIG4 West Beach Parks Accommodation.

The evening also saw special recognition for long-standing contributors to the industry, with Kool Tours joining the prestigious Hall of Fame after achieving three consecutive wins in its category.

The Aboriginal-owned and operated tourism company is a leader in the industry, authentically showcasing South Australia’s Aboriginal cultural heritage and contributing to the diversity and depth of the state’s tourism landscape.

The winners of the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards will go onto represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Adelaide in March 2025. Hosting the 40th anniversary of the national industry event will further showcase South Australia to leading industry delegates.

The 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards is supported by the South Australian Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission.

SA Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison congratulated all the dedicated and innovative businesses celebrated at the South Australian Tourism Awards.

"All tourism operators in South Australia work incredibly hard to deliver exceptional tourism products making our state a must-visit destination for all types of travellers from all over the world," Minister Bettison said.

"In a testament to our industry’s commitment to delivering tourism for good, almost all the award winners are Quality & Sustainable Tourism Accredited – which we know is what potential visitors are looking for when deciding on where to spend their time and money.

"This year’s winners will soon go up against the winners from across the country right here in Adelaide when we host the national awards in March.

"Thank you to the Tourism Industry Council of South Australia for hosting these terrific Awards and thank you to all of the SA businesses who took the time to make a submission."

Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA) Chief Executive, Shaun de Bruyn said these awards showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of South Australia's tourism operators.

de Bruyn added "each of this year’s winners represents the spirit and commitment that make our state an incredible destination. From small family enterprises to large corporations, the focus by the people driving these businesses on delivering outstanding visitor experiences and upholding high standards as responsible tourism operators, is truly inspiring.’

Category winners and medallists

Major Tourist Attractions - Supported by Big Red Group
Winner - Monarto Safari Park 
Silver - Adelaide Festival Centre
Bronze - Adelaide Botanic Garden

Tourist Attractions - Supported by RAA Travel
Winner -The d’Arenberg Cube
Silver - Adelaide Gaol
Bronze - MOD.

Major Festivals & Events -Supported by Festival City Adelaide
Winner - Adelaide Festival
Silver - Illuminate Adelaide
Bronze - WOMADelaide

Festivals & Events - Supported by Festival City Adelaide
Winner  - Sleep’s Hill Tunnel 
Silver - 2024 Glenelg Ice Cream Festival
Bronze 2024 Let’s Go Caravan, Camping and Outdoor Show

Ecotourism - Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Winner - The Big Duck Boat Tours
Silver - Nilpena Ediacara National Park

Cultural Tourism - Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Winner - Adelaide Zoo
Silver - Flamboyance Tours

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism Experiences - Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Winner Kool Tours – Hall of Fame

Business Event Venues - Supported by Adelaide Airport
Winner - Adelaide Convention Centre
Silver - Events at SkyCity
Bronze - Adelaide Oval

Adventure Tourism - Supported by Adelady
Winner - Bendleby Ranges
Silver - Woodhouse Adventure Park
Bronze - RoofClimb Adelaide Oval

Caravan & Holiday Parks - Supported by Caravan & Camping SA
Winner -BIG4 West Beach Parks

Excellence in Accessible Tourism - Supported by Office for Autism
Winner - Adelaide Fringe
Silver - Adelaide Zoo
Bronze Kimbolton Wines

Outstanding Contribution - Supported by Tourism Industry Council SA
Elaine Bensted
Elaine Bensted is the Chief Executive of Zoos South Australia, a role she has held since 2012.

A highly respected and celebrated leader, Elaine is recognised for her exceptional contributions to tourism and conservation. She has been instrumental in demonstrating and championing the profound connection between these two fields, driving initiatives that showcase how tourism can lead to impactful conservation outcomes, at national and global levels.

We also acknowledge her many achievements in Education, State and Local Government, and the private and not-for-profit sectors, as well as her contributions to numerous boards and council. 

Under Elaine’s leadership, Zoos SA, which includes Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, has become a world-class destination for wildlife experiences. Elaine has championed conservation programs, enhanced visitor engagement, and overseen the expansion of Monarto into the largest open-range safari experience outside of Africa. Her strategic vision has driven significant tourism growth, earning numerous accolades and awards for the organisation.

With a passion for environmental sustainability, Elaine has successfully positioned Zoos SA as a key player in South Australia’s thriving tourism sector. Elaine recently announced she will be retiring from her position of CEO Zoos SA April 2025. 

Young Achiever - Supported by SeaLink
Taylah Lochert
Taylah Lochert, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman, is employed by Southern Cultural Immersion while also studying tourism at Flinders University. She is considered an exemplary young leader, demonstrating an agility and diversity valued in tourism, developing experience in Aboriginal tourism, wine, conference and events, and nature-based tourism.

People’s Choice: Experience / Service - Supported by Uber
Winner - Monarto Safari Park

People’s Choice: Accommodation - Supported by Uber
Winner - BIG4 West Beach Parks

To view the full list of winners and find out more about the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards, visit www.ticsa.com.au.

Image. Credit: Monarto Safari Park