Tourism in regional South Australia continues to go from strength to strength, with 2022 figures showing the industry has never been in better shape.
Latest data shows regional visitor expenditure hit an all-time high of $3.98 billion last year, just $200 million shy of its $4.0 billion target set for December 2025.
Our local regions contributed to the stellar figures, with the Murray River Lakes and Coorong and the Fleurieu Peninsula passing their 2025 visitor spend targets with over three years to spare.
The Adelaide Hills region also had registered its all-time record for expenditure.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison was understandably thrilled with the news.
“With six of the 11 regions having already beat their targets set for 2025, and four regions cracking an all-time high – these are fantastic indicators that our plan to recover the industry from the impacts of the pandemic is on track,” Ms Bettison said.
“For every tourism dollar spent in South Australia, 48 cents is spent in the regions – up from 44 cents in 2019.”
SA Regional Visitor Strategy Chair Helen Edwards says it reflects a true statewide effort.
“This is an outstanding result, achieved through strong collaboration across the regions involving local, state and federal governments, regional tourism bodies, and importantly, hundreds of operators,” Ms Edwards said.
“The results also reflect the support from many South Australians who visited our regions during the pandemic.”
Photo Credit: SATC website
