Hotels Represented on New Events Advisory Group

A range of people from the hotel sector have been included on the State Government’s new Events Advisory Group (EAG) to develop new events for SA.

The include Eoin Loftus from Majestic Hotels, David Christian - Skycity Adelaide, AHA|SA President David Basheer from The Strathmore Hotel and hospitality professional Oli Duckworth

Business SA’s Nikki Govan will chair the EAG – providing independent advice to the South Australian Tourism Commission, as well as bolstering engagement with industry operators.

Premier Steven Marshall said the group would act as a “think tank” to help supercharge our already comprehensive events offering here in South Australia.

“We are committed to a world class events calendar throughout the year in South Australia, because we know that it supports jobs and the economy,” Premier Marshall said.

“This is all part of our strong plan to boost bed nights, create jobs and produce high quality and vibrant events for the people of South Australia.

“We are investing heavily in major events and conventions, announcing a unique tourism and hospitality sector support package to help secure as many events as we can.”

The State Government’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector Support package includes:

• An extra $12 million over three years for a bid fund to help attract and secure new major leisure events and conventions to further drive future visitation and protect and create jobs in the sector;

• $40 million over four years to continue existing levels of funding available for events and conventions plus the reallocation of millions of dollars per annum from Adelaide 500 funding to these funds;

• More than $120 million over four years to tourism marketing. Funding previously directed to international marketing is being reallocated to domestic marketing – both intrastate and interstate. This will continue whilst international travel remains restricted;

• $20 million over two years for a Tourism Industry Development Fund to help stimulate private sector investment in new and improved regional accommodation and the development of quality tourism products and experiences;

• The reallocation of Great State Voucher funding left over for new scheme early in 2021.

• Major sporting infrastructure funding, $44 million for Memorial Drive and $45 for Hindmarsh Stadium – which has already

enabled South Australia to secure the Adelaide International for a decade.

Events and festivals generate more than $375 million in tourism expenditure each year, showcasing South Australia to the world and putting the state on the tourism and corporate stage.

MEMBERS OF THE EVENTS ADVISORY GROUP:

• Nikki Govan - Business SA Chair

• Rodney Harrex - SATC

• Ish Davies - News Limited

• Andy Kay - Channel 7

• Leko Novakovic - Novatech

• Helen Edwards – Chair of Adelaide Hills Tourism

• Justyna Jochym - Festivals Adelaide

• Rhana Devenport - Art Gallery of SA Director

• Sandy Verschoor - Lord Mayor of Adelaide

• Eoin Loftus – TicSA / Majestic Hotels

• David Basheer – AHA / Strathmore Hotel

• Angus Dillon - LA Times Food Festival

• David Christian - Skycity Adelaide

• Hugh Sheridan – South Australian Actor

• Oli Duckworth - Hospitality Professional