TOURISM COMMISSION

In reply to Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (22 June 2012).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): I am advised:

Total regionally focused expenditure by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) in 2011-12 was $2.31 million.

This included total funding of $110,000 to the 11 Regional Tourism Organisations (RTO's) to be used to employ part-time Local Contact Persons ($10,000 per region).

In addition, SATC also allocated a further $220,000 in grants paid under a once-off Destination Development Fund to enable RTO Boards to initiate projects enjoying strong support within their local tourism industry.

The remaining $1.98 million of regional expenditure includes cross-regional initiatives such as visitor information centre development programs, funding to regional events and festivals, and the SATC's 'Best Backyard' domestic marketing campaign.

It should be noted that this total figure of $2.31 million does not include the significant regional benefit and expenditure generated by the Santos Tour Down Under and South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Events; nor does it include any salaries and wages paid by the SATC.