From the General Manager

What a Bounce Back!

BY IAN HORNE

South Australia’s tourism sector has hit another record – not only returning to its pre-COVID-19 pandemic value but exceeding it to reach the state’s highest-ever 12-month tourism spend.

New data released by Tourism Research Australia shows visitor expenditure in South Australia in the 12 months to December 2022 hit $8.3 billion – a new all-time record for the state.

The new record high visitor spend means the value of tourism in South Australia has surpassed its preCOVID-19 high of $8.1 billion – something not forecast to happen until December 2023.

The milestone comes as tourism and hospitality operators across the state recover from the Easter long weekend holiday surge, with data from the South Australian Tourism Commission showing an estimated $173 million was spent by visitors over those next four days. New data shows:

• In the last six months (July to December 2022), the value of tourism in South Australia has grown from $6.2 billion to $8.3 billion – the sharpest increase over any six month period on record.

• With Australia’s borders open for 10 months of 2022, international tourism has seen strong growth. International expenditure in the last quarter (October to December 2022) grew from $307 to $519 million, well above the recovery forecast of $314 million.

• Interstate tourism reached a record high of $3.2 billion spent in 2022. This is up $581 million on the previous record of $2.7 billion spent by interstate overnight visitors in 2019.

• Intrastate tourism reached a record high $2.8 billion spent in 2022. This is up $250 million on the $2.6 billion spent by interstate overnight visitors in 2019. Thanks to South Australia’s world-class offerings, our incredible city and diverse regions, our spectacular calendar of events, and the recovery of our airline and cruise sectors, South Australia is again a destination of choice for visitors – and our visitor economy is reaping the rewards.

Of course, immediately post Easter long weekend is the inaugural AFL ‘Gather Round’ with nearly 200,000 tickets sold of which more than 25% were purchased by interstate fans, followed by:

• Australian premier of global sensation LIV Golf (21-23 April)

• Tasting Australia (28 April-7 May)

• Ampol State of Origin 2023 (31 May)

• Australian-exclusive exhibition of Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution at the Art Gallery of South Australia. (24 June – 17 September)

• Five games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at the redeveloped Hindmarsh Stadium (24 July - 8 August)

• Illuminate Adelaide

• VALO Adelaide 500 featuring Robbie Williams (23-26 November)

Congratulations to the South Australian Government on their significant investment in a calendar of events not seen before.

Congratulations to the South Australian Government on their significant investment in a calendar of events not seen before.

WELCOME TO NEW AHA | SA CEO

As members are aware, the Association has appointed Anna Moeller as my replacement as CEO from 10 July this year.

Anna was the star candidate following a rigorous process to identify the best person.

That outcome would come as no surprise to people who know Anna, and are familiar with her background. Her resume is impressive, by any measure, her capacity and drive remarkable and her empathy with this industry and its operators genuine.

Anna is no stranger to AHA|SA members with her presentation at member regional meetings, zoom briefings during COVID-19 and in the media.

Members can feel very comfortable that in these increasingly turbulent times the appointment of Anna as CEO means we have secured a talented, experienced and dynamic leader for the future years.

Incoming AHA|SA CEO, Anna Moeller, with current CEO, Ian Horne.

WATCH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/GEr_JnEdZI4