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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