South Australian Tourism

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:44): I note with great optimism recent statistics showing that South Australian tourism is rapidly returning to pre-pandemic levels. Of course, the ongoing growth of tourism in this state, as it is everywhere else in this new post-COVID world, depends on the continued recovery from a once-in-a-lifetime viral outbreak.

History shows us that Labor is far more proactive on matters of tourism than the other side. We are a party that has actively supported not just tourism, the arts and sports, but also got the Festival Theatre off the ground. We also saw Adelaide Oval upgraded to a world-class stadium and have backed so many events in the state that we have lost count.

In fact, prior to the Adelaide Oval becoming a national football stadium, Football Park was also a Labor initiative. Now, enough chest beating: this is about the state and I am greatly encouraged that now we can look forward to the future knowing that more tourists will be coming to South Australia and spending their money here.

In April last year, the state welcomed almost a quarter of a million interstate visitors, who spent $274 million here, a figure that is up 18 per cent on the most recent pre-pandemic corresponding month in 2019. Add to that the 450,000-odd overnight tourists from within the state and the increasing number of international visitors and we are well on our way back to regaining our position as a tourism success story.

From the 12 months to March last year, according to the National Visitor Survey, our market from interstate visitors amounted to $1.8 billion. These are the best figures since COVID hit. In fact, we have returned to pre-COVID levels: great numbers, but we do not have to limit ourselves to achieving 100 per cent. With all that we have at our disposal, we should be aiming a lot higher.

During times of Labor government, and with its support, many of the structures and venues that accommodate tourism and bring it here were created. The long list includes the Adelaide Casino, which was opened in 1985; the upgraded Casino; the world-class Convention Centre; the Adelaide Festival Centre; the Entertainment Centre; and more hotels and cafes and restaurants.

These were encouraged by Labor governments that had a vision for the future. An announcement was made last July for two new international hotels to further accommodate tourists: one on Victoria Square and the other on the Whyalla foreshore. That sort of commitment alone shows the appeal this state is offering, not just to tourists but also to investors.

It is quite remarkable how many tourism initiatives have occurred under Labor. Investment in this state, and particularly the tourism sector, has historically happened at a far greater rate in times of Labor governments. The $350 million Convention Centre upgrade and extension is a prime example, making it a world-class convention facility that attracts businesses from around the world.

Labor governments in this state have a record of cooperation with tourism and development groups, while remaining faithful to the landscape. As Minister for Tourism, almost a decade before becoming Premier, Mike Rann introduced legislation to establish the SA Tourism Commission in 1993. It was Labor once again in 2017 that created the Riverbank Entertainment Precinct Advisory Committee, which has become so vital to our city landscape.

Tourism SA is committed to growing the visitor economy to $12.8 billion by 2030. It is an ambitious target but one that we should all be excited about. It should also remind us that, when planning a holiday, there is plenty to see in our own state. Whether it is a weekend on the Murray, a Kangaroo Island getaway, a night on the town in Adelaide itself, a trip to the Adelaide Hills, or perhaps a drive up north to find out the reasons Whyalla is about to get a world-class hotel, the state has a lot to offer its own people.

I am proud to say Labor has supported a lot of the initiatives that have turned Adelaide and South Australia from a very pleasant place to live to a vibrant, exciting destination. With the money tourism brings into the economy and the jobs it creates, the tourism rebound is good news for us all.