International Tourism Marketing

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:32): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment regarding tourism data.

Leave granted.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: The latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows that South Australian international business spending is down 7 per cent, or approximately $80 million, for the year ending March 2019. The Liberal government also intends to cut international marketing expenses by 7 per cent in 2019-20. My question to the minister is: why is the Liberal government cutting international marketing at a time when international tourism numbers are down?

The Hon. K.J. Maher: It didn't happen under Biggles.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:32): A fair bit of other stuff happened under him. I thank the honourable member for her question. The government is absolutely committed to realising the potential of tourism as one of our key growth sectors. As part of this budget, we have invested an additional $30 million into marketing South Australia to the world. That is on top of the additional—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: They just can't help themselves, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: Just get on with the answer.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: I notice in the other place there is some sort of discipline in the opposition—there is clearly none here—some sort of respect. Clearly, there is none here.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Point of order: I think the minister is reflecting on your ability to impose discipline on this chamber. I think that is outrageous and disrespectful to you.

The PRESIDENT: No, he is breaking another standing order, which is reflecting poorly on the other place, but I am okay with that.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Sorry, Mr President, I was distracted. Our first budget set a vision for South Australia and in 2019 it is now time to start building. Here is a snapshot of how we are investing in tourism. We are putting an additional $43 million into tourism marketing to sell South Australia to the world.

There is money going to regional roads across South Australia, including $1 million for regional infrastructure on Kangaroo Island, $20 million towards the refurbishment of the Granite Island causeway, $1.8 million to upgrade regional airstrips and $10 million over three years for mobile phone blackspots.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: I am sure the honourable member opposite would love the investment in infrastructure on Kangaroo Island so he can get to his palatial holiday home. There is $9.3 million of investment in infrastructure in national and conservation parks across South Australia. There is $52.4 million to improve both metropolitan and regional coasts, $30 million to progress the South International Centre for Food, Hospitality and Tourism Studies at Lot Fourteen, and $9.2 million to renew the national wine centre precinct and partnering with the federal government on projects like Monarto Zoo.

Governments are not the only ones investing. We have a strong pipeline of private accommodation investment both in our CBD and regions, signalling that investors are confident in the long-term growth of our tourism sector. In terms of showcasing the state, the $43 million of additional investment, including the $3 million for the current Rewards Wonder winter campaign solidifies the Marshall government's commitment to marketing South Australia over the forward estimates.

The former Labor government failed to make this long-term commitment to marketing our state, and the South Australian Tourism Commission and the industry can now move forward with the certainty of a significant base level of funding, which we will look to build on in future budgets. I make the point, while this budget has faced some significant challenges with an estimated reduction of $2.1 billion in GST revenue, we have maintained our investment in tourism on top of the massive infrastructure program I have just outlined.

We acknowledge that the recent international visitor statistics were less positive and come off the back of a record year in 2018. It is clear that people are taking shorter trips and visiting fewer states. In turn, smaller states like South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania have all seen a recent decline in international visitation. This strengthens the government's case to focus effort on promoting our state internationally and making South Australia front of mind for overseas visitors.

In the context of the soon-to-be-released Tourism 2030 plan and growth agenda, our efforts and investment in tourism will continue to drive us towards our targets. At $1.1 billion, international expenditure is still above the March 2019 waypoint of $1.06 billion and is on track to reach the $1.2 billion goal of international expenditure. The South Australian Tourism Commission will continue to focus on how South Australia's industry can remain strong and competitive in a challenging environment.

We will work collaboratively with Tourism Australia as we look to address the national issues such as the general decline in the China market and the contraction in the tourism market globally. The SATC will continue to interrogate the figures and refocus their strategies to suit. We are building a better South Australia. We are maintaining our investment in tourism and showcasing our state to the world. We will look to build on our investment in future budgets.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! I wish to hear the Hon. Ms Bourke.