Nature-Based Tourism

In reply to the Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (23 February 2016).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): The Minister for Tourism has received this advice:

The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) has collaborated with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) in developing the State Government’s Nature Based Tourism Strategy. The SATC invested more than $1 million in 2015-16 in promoting South Australia’s nature based experiences.

This strategy aims to inject $350 million a year into South Australia’s economy and create more than 1,000 new jobs by 2020. It will support existing nature-based tourism ventures, create new world-class experiences and raise awareness of the State’s natural attractions.

South Australia’s nature based attributes are a central plank in driving demand to our State and growing the visitor economy. Research demonstrates approximately 77 per cent of international visitors participate in a nature-based activity when visiting South Australia. An example of the State Government’s investment in this strategy is the $5 million provided for the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, a five-day walk which will open up opportunities for accommodation businesses and guided tours.

The State Government is also investing more than $10 million in projects which will attract people to the Adelaide Hills region to help make it an international mountain bike destination. Another example is the new mountain bike and bushwalking trail in Cleland Conservation Park, which links Crafers Interchange with Mount Lofty Summit—the new $150,000 link includes almost 700 metres of new trail and the resurfacing of 800 metres of the existing track.

In 2015-16 South Australia’s nature based attributes were showcased in a joint campaign with Tourism Australia in the new edition of the highly successful ‘There’s nothing like Australia’ campaign. SATC’s investment in promotion of nature-based experiences will continue in 2016-17. Nature-based tourism is included as part of SATC’s new Global Advertising Campaign using television and digital media, and SATC is working closely with the DEWNR on the promotion of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.

The SATC’s investment is achieved following the 2015-16 State Budget which included a major funding package of $35 million over two years. The additional funds will support the Government’s efforts in achieving the full potential of an $8 billion tourism industry by 2020, generating a further 10,000 jobs in South Australia.