Tourism

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (15:30): Today, I rise to speak about the importance of the tourism sector to local businesses and, more broadly, to the South Australian economy. Recognition of South Australia's world-class tourist experience is becoming more and more well known around the world. With the great work done by the tourism sector, it is no surprise that international visitors to South Australia has reached an all-time high, with 378,000 visits in the year to December 2013. South Australia should be proud that international visitors choose to come to South Australia in greater numbers than ever before and inject about $727 million into our state's economy. It takes the state's total tourism revenue to about $5.1 billion, when including domestic expenditure.

This government is committed to encouraging more people to choose to visit this state when taking a short break or heading off with the family for their holidays. That is why, as a government, we have taken the decision not only to improve the marketing of our state with the new brand and new targeted campaigns, but to invest in building infrastructure for the future, whether it is significantly improved public transport, a new airport that rivals any other in Australia or all around the world, or the successful oval redevelopment. Events like the Santos Tour Down Under, Clipsal 500, the Fringe, the Adelaide Festival and WOMAD already attract tens of thousands of visitors from interstate and overseas and generate tens of millions of dollars for the state's economy.

In recognition of the significant contribution cruise ships make to our state's tourism industry, the government has worked to increase the number of cruise ship visits both to Adelaide and regional South Australia. The 2013-14 cruise season saw a record 28 cruise ship visits to South Australia by 14 different ships. They brought approximately 67,000 passengers and crew and injected a total of $14.5 million directly into the South Australian economy.

The oval redevelopment has provided a world-class stadium that attracts some 50,000 people into the city each week, many from regional South Australia and interstate. This government has successfully implemented world-class campaigns to market our beautiful state. Campaigns like 'Barossa. Be Consumed' and its award-winning ads are marketing the Barossa region and have been seen by tens of millions of people around the world. The website beconsumed.southaustralia.com promotes restaurants, producers, cellar doors, attractions and accommodation available right throughout the Barossa region. I understand that since the state government launched this innovative website, not only has it become globally recognised, winning a Favourite Website Award but, more importantly, the flow-on effect to tourism in the region has been significant. The Barossa Visitor Information Centre has received a record number of sales, including accommodation and tourism bookings and general inquiries. This is a great result for small business and tourism operators in the region.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Whyalla where I spent some time touring the region with the new member for Giles, Eddie Hughes. It was a great opportunity to visit an area that is realising some of its potential and tourism possibilities. I paid a visit to the Whyalla Visitors Information Centre and the HMAS Whyalla. This is a great facility, with happy and helpful staff eager to share the many ways to experience this state's great region.

I also pay tribute to the former member for the area, Lyn Breuer, and the new member, whose uncompromising and ferocious advocacy for the area has seen tourism grow. I am very pleased to see in the last couple of days that the giant cuttlefish are returning to the area in great numbers. I am sure it is not necessarily the case that it coincides with Eddie Hughes becoming the new member, but it is good to see them return nonetheless.

Just last week, I had the opportunity to travel to the Fleurieu Peninsula to launch the Yankalilla and District Heritage Trail. Thanks to its diverse range of historic and natural attractions, and quite close proximity to Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula is one of our state's most significant and valuable tourism destinations, with more than two million day trips every year.

Each year this beautiful area draws around 700,000 visitors. The Yankalilla and Normanville Heritage Trail is a fantastic initiative that was driven by local people who recognised and wished to protect the local history of the region, as well as benefit local businesses. The trail will no doubt improve visitors' experience of the region and hopefully increase their length of stay. By offering visitors more reasons to stay longer in this and other areas, and turning day trips into overnight visits, this trail and other such initiatives have the potential to positively impact on accommodation providers not only in this area but right around our state.

I am proud of the many world-class, unparalleled experiences South Australia offers tourists from interstate and around the world. The government continues to promote this great state as a destination of choice for anyone thinking about taking a break. The tourism sector is drawing more visitors than ever before, providing opportunities for visitors and businesses, and is a huge part of the economy. It is ever-growing.