TOURISM

Mr RAU (Enfield) (14:45): My question is to the Minister for Tourism. How is the state government increasing South Australia's profile as a holiday destination in key international markets?

The Hon. J.D. LOMAX-SMITH (Adelaide—Minister for Education and Children's Services, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:45): I thank the member for Enfield for his question. As he would know, I travelled to London earlier this year to strengthen the case for South Australia to win the first Pro Tour event outside of Europe. In addition, I met representatives of various airlines, including Singapore Airlines. We know that South Australia has won the first Pro Tour event outside of Europe and this has been a great boost, not only to our sports activities but also to our tourism activities and our profile on the world stage. In addition, we have been working with tourism operators and airlines to look at ways of increasing the numbers of visitors coming from our key markets: the United Kingdom, Germany and Singapore. These markets' levels of tourism will be boosted by a new funding agreement with Singapore Airlines. We have signed a joint agreement with this major international carrier to promote the state in our key markets. This agreement will help us boost—in accordance with our Strategic Plan goal—our number of visitors to deliver a $6.3 billion annual expenditure level.

This year the state government provided an additional $3 million over 4 years to the SATC as part of an international marketing budget. This has allowed us to work with other agencies and organisations to promote South Australia. In particular, the agreement with Singapore Airlines allows us to reach a larger international audience more effectively. Indeed, we have worked very hard to increase airline access to South Australia over the last five years, but Singapore Airlines is by far the largest provider of international passenger movements through Adelaide Airport and the agreement with this airline will allow us not only to support the great commitment that Singapore Airlines have given to South Australia but also to support the airport and additional tourists. It makes sense for us to pool our funds to entice more people to holiday in South Australia, and the latest announcement further underlines the confidence that Singapore Airlines has consistently shown in South Australia.

Our state has continued to grow in popularity amongst international tourists, with a record 375,000 international visitors coming to the state in the year ending June 2007. This is an 8.5 per cent increase on the preceding year. Indeed, international passenger movements to Adelaide Airport increased by 27 per cent in the 12 months to June 2007. This is the highest increase amongst Australia's major airports. In November we will have 27 international weekly flights into South Australia, up from 13 in 2003. All this is great news for the tourism industry and the economy in general. Unlike the opposition, the state government is committed to ensuring that our tourism industry continues to be a generator of export revenue and employment, even if this means travelling to London.