South Australian Tourism

Ms STINSON (Badcoe) (14:24): My question is to the Minister for Tourism. Can the minister provide an update to the house on the state of tourism in South Australia?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Tourism, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:24): Thank you, member for Badcoe. Late last week, at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, our very own Adelaide Zoo took home the gold in the most prestigious category of these national awards. These Australian Tourism Awards are celebrating innovation and exceptional standards in tourism nationwide. As well as Adelaide Zoo's gold, seven South Australian tourism operators were rewarded and placed among the nation's best.

The biggest award of the night, the Major Tourist Attraction category, has recognised one of Adelaide's most iconic attractions for their unique, behind-the-scenes experiences and commitment to sustainability and conservation. We are so proud that this is the very first time that a South Australian tourism organisation has ever charted in the top three in the Major Tourist Attraction category.

I would like to list here on the record all our winners. Gold to Adelaide Zoo for Major Tourist Attraction; silver to The Cedars, Hahndorf, for Cultural Tourism; silver to Woodhouse Activity Centre for Unique Accommodation; bronze to Bendleby Ranges for Adventure Tourism; bronze to Sequoia Lodge for New Tourism Business; bronze to Redwing Farm for Hosted Accommodation; and bronze to Eos by SkyCity for Five-Star Luxury Accommodation.

Why are we seeing such incredible results in tourism? We know that the visitor economy has taken leaps and bounds in recent months, and operators are reaping the awards. That's because this government has shown, over and over again, its commitment and support for tourism and hospitality. We had our election commitment of $40 million for major event attraction—we delivered. We have had $45 million for marketing—delivered. There was $1.6 million to support the Tourism Industry Council, including support for this awards program—delivered. The VALO Adelaide 500 is back and bigger than ever. Additional funding for the Fringe: the first festival in Australia to sell one million tickets, and more interstate visitors than ever before. The $2 million for the Experience Nature Tourism fund—delivered.

We know our river regions have suffered the highest flood in decades. We have come to the fore with a $4.6 million tourism support package for their recovery. But there is more to come. We know that Adelaide has always been famous for Mad March, but we know that this year in April, June and July the events keep coming. The Adelaide Motorsport Festival this weekend, the AFL Gather Round, LIV Golf, and the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in April. Late in April Tasting Australia, presented by RAA Travel, will start.

The excitement keeps on coming, because in July the FIFA Women's World Cup is here, and we are going to host five events here: four rounds and one of the round 16. It's an incredibly exciting time. Frida and Diego: this is an exclusive for the arts community who are going to come to see this wonderful exhibition; and let's not forget Illuminate. We continue to challenge the perception of our great state. People are drawn here to celebrate so much.

What have we got to celebrate? Our visitor economy hit a high in October 2022 for the month, reaching nearly $1 billion just for that month. We have had record accommodation data, record WOMADelaide crowds and a hugely successful Adelaide Festival. We know that tourism and hospitality has done it rough over COVID, but we are here to support them, bigger and better than ever.