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SA Stories - South Australian Tourism News January 2007
Camping, Godfrey's Landing, Coorong National Park, SA


More International Visitors Choose SA


South Australia continues to defy the national average by luring more international visitors to the State, latest statistics have revealed.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the latest International Visitor Survey shows SA attracted 350,700 international visitors in the 12 months ended September 2006 – up 8% on the previous 12-month period.

'While nationally there was a slight decrease in international visitor numbers for the year to September, the popularity of South Australia as a tourism destination continues to soar,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.

'This is the fourth quarter in a row that SA has out performed the national average in attracting international visitors.

'The number of nights spent in our State by international visitors was at an all time high in the 12 months ended September 2006, up 38% on the previous 12 months to 7.5 million.

'The latest International Visitor Survey also shows increased numbers of visitors to SA from all our major markets, including the UK, Germany, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.

'These survey results are fantastic news for our tourism industry and the State’s economy. It clearly indicates our international marketing strategies are hitting the mark.

'More tourists coming to our State means more people staying in our hotels, more people filling our restaurants and shops and more jobs for South Australians.

'The trend is expected to continue in future years as a result of Adelaide hosting the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in June.

'ATE brought more than 700 travel experts from 40 countries to our State, giving us a great chance to really raise our profile overseas as a tourist destination.'

Dr Lomax-Smith says the recent Ashes Test will be a further boost to our reputation for hosting world-class events.

'The State Government invested in a targeted campaign during the Ashes to showcase the rest of South Australia. The atmosphere around the city and beyond was fantastic,' she says.


'Looking ahead, the State Government will continue to invest in major events, which are a proven drawcard for international visitors.'


For more information call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.



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