Tourism News

SA TOURISTS CHOOSE OWN BRILLIANT BACKYARD

South Australians’ favourite domestic holiday destination is in our own brilliant backyard – the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The latest National Visitor Survey shows that South Australians overwhelmingly prefer to take vacations in their home State.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the survey results are a clear vote of confidence by South Australians in the State’s tourism industry.

“In fact, eight of the top ten South Australian holiday spots are right here in SA,” she says.

“South Australians would prefer to take a break on the Yorke Peninsula and visit Adelaide than cross the border for a vacation in Melbourne.

“The Murraylands, Riverland and Flinders Ranges are just some of the SA regions more popular among South Australian holidaymakers than Sydney.

“The State Government’s marketing strategies to promote SA’s brilliant blend of holiday attractions and vacation destinations to South Australians are clearly hitting the mark.

“Whether you want to cruise the Murray River, relax on the beach, experience world-class sporting and cultural events or just get back to nature, there’s nowhere in the world like South Australia.

“Tourism generates important economic benefits for our State, especially in regional areas, and South Australians getting out and about in their own backyard is a great way to support our tourism industry.

“The State Government is committed to making sure the number of South Australians holidaying in SA continues to climb.

“Current campaigns being run to encourage South Australians to explore their home state include Kangaroo Island Brilliant Breaks, Recharge on the Murray River and the Adelaide Winter Campaign.

“The State Government will also continue to invest in world class events – a proven tourism drawcard.

“As well as our stellar calendar of major events in Adelaide, the State Government funds the promotion of a brilliant line-up of regional events which grows in stature and number every year.”

The top 10 domestic tourism regions among South Australian holidaymakers are:

Number 1: Fleurieu Peninsula - 363,000 visitors
Number 2: Yorke Peninsula - 311,000 visitors
Number 3: Adelaide - 239,000 visitors
Number 4: Melbourne - 232,000 visitors
Number 5: Murraylands - 139,000 visitors
Number 6: Limestone Coast - 129,000
Number 7: Eyre Peninsula - 124,000
Number 8: Flinders Ranges and Outback SA - 121,000
Number 9: Riverland - 106,000
Number 10: Gold Coast - 73,000

*Figures are for the number of overnight visits by South Australian tourists to each region during the 12 months ended December 2006.
Source: Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey

For more information please call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610 or 0434 473 900.




INTERNATIONAL FOCUS FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australia was in the international spotlight last month, when 600 international tourism delegates meet with South Australian tourism operators at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Brisbane.

Acting Tourism Minister Paul Caica says ATE is the largest international travel trade show in the southern hemisphere, and offers a host of exciting opportunities for South Australian tourism operators.

“For the first time last year, ATE was held in Adelaide, offering an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our State to key members of the international travel trade,” Mr Caica says.

“At ATE 2007, our tourism operators were building on relationships developed at last year’s event to further increase international tourism to our State.

“The latest International Visitor Survey shows that international tourism in South Australia is booming, with more international visitors arriving in our State last year than ever before.

“South Australia attracted 364,700 international visitors in the 12 months ended December 2006 – up 9 per cent on the previous 12-month period and outstripping the national growth.

“These survey results clearly indicate our international marketing strategies are hitting the mark, and this month’s ATE will be another chance for South Australia’s brilliant blend of tourism attractions to go on show to the world.

“South Australia was well represented at the event, with more than 50 operators offering the State’s tourism product to international travel experts for inclusion in their wholesale travel programs

“These travel experts are the people who put together holiday packages and recommend destinations to travellers from around the globe – so the ongoing benefits to our State are obvious.

“There were also about 50 international tourism journalists attending ATE who will report on what’s new in the Australian travel and tourism industry.

“ATE will help generate billions of dollars in export earnings as a result of business generated at the event, positioning South Australia and Australia as leading holiday destinations.

The Australian Tourism Exchange 2007 was held from 26 May to 1 June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more information please call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610 or 0434 473 900.




ADELAIDE SURE TO CURE WINTER BLUES

A brilliant blend of exceptional Adelaide accommodation and attractions is the focus of the latest tourism campaign to attract more visitors to Adelaide during the quieter winter months.

Targeting residents of regional South Australia and Victoria, the State’s latest marketing campaign is offering guests an extra night of free accommodation at around 30 participating hotels and bed and breakfasts until 29 June.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says Adelaide is a stellar destination during May and June, with the highly acclaimed Egyptian Antiquities exhibition on show at the South Australian Museum until 1 July, as well as the world-class Adelaide Cabaret Festival at the Adelaide Festival Centre from 8 to 23 June.

“It is no surprise that Adelaide is so hot in winter, with such a fantastic range of accommodation, exhibitions and festivals on offer to visitors,” says Minister Lomax-Smith.

“We have growing numbers of international tourists coming to South Australia and now we are encouraging South Australians to consider a holiday in their own capital city, Adelaide.”

Adelaide attracted more than 2.5 million domestic and international visitors in the 12 months ending December 2006.

“Adelaide is an ideal destination for travellers to enjoy the good life, with plenty to see and do along Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace, a great range of shopping in Rundle Mall and loads of great restaurants and cafes,” says Minister Lomax-Smith.

“The events in 2007 don’t stop in July. Later in the year we have the Australasian Masters Games, the Panasonic World Solar Challenge and the Adelaide International Guitar Festival, which will all draw fantastic crowds.

“Exhibitions, events and festivals are not only brilliant drawcards for visitors and locals alike, they are also great for local businesses and the economy.”

The latest campaign includes press ads in regional newspapers and a direct mail piece, as well as a flyer for trade and consumer shows.

All participating accommodation providers will be on show and can be booked online at www.southaustralia.com or by calling the SA Visitor and Travel Centre on 1300 655 215.

Offer valid until 29 June 2007. Available at participating accommodation properties only. Minimum stay applies and minimum stay varies for different accommodation properties.

For more information please call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610 or 0434 473 900.





NEW GUIDE TO TEMPT GOURMET TRAVELLERS

The Barossa continues to reinforce its position as Australia’s premier wine and food destination with the launch of the revamped Butcher Baker Winemaker Trail brochure.

Tourism Barossa has unveiled the Butcher Baker Winemaker Trail brochure, which offers a guide to the region’s best food and wine experiences.

The brochure is based on the Butcher Baker Winemaker Trail, which is the first of its kind in South Australia. The trail leads to local wineries, dining venues and businesses offering intimate food and wine experiences and products made with traditional methods and ingredients.

Tourism Barossa Regional Marketing Manager, Ms Racheal Klitscher says the updated guide offers food and wine lovers a taste of all things gourmet in the Barossa, and will further strengthen the region’s reputation as the home of Australian wine and food.

“With a thriving food culture and world-famous wine regions, it is no surprise that the Barossa’s wine and food are two of our biggest tourism drawcards,” Ms Klitscher says.

“Few Australian regions boast a food and wine culture to rival the Barossa and the Butcher Baker Winemaker Trail highlights why the Barossa’s food and wine is so special.

“In particular, the intimate cellar and dining experiences in our region allow visitors to get up close and personal with the people behind the wine and the produce.

“It also builds on the key message that Barossa food and wine products are not only distinctive, they come from a special place and are delivered by passionate and innovative people.”

The guide forms part of Tourism Barossa’s wine and food marketing campaign, which aims to strengthen the Barossa’s position as Australia’s premier wine and food tourism destination.

Free copies of Butcher Baker Winemaker Trail brochure can be picked up from accredited visitor information centres located throughout the Barossa, ordered online at www.barossa.com or by calling the South Australian Visitor & Travel Centre on 1300 655 276.

For more information please call Racheal Klitscher on 08 8563 0662 or 0421 057 702.


 

SEAFOOD AND BEYOND

Savour, discover and enjoy the fresh seafood of the Eyre Peninsula with the new Seafood and Beyond… Rewards Card.

For $79, visitors who buy the card will receive $100 worth of delectable and fascinating experiences on the Eyre Peninsula’s popular Seafood and Aquaculture Trail – plus they will save money on their accommodation and dining while they’re in the region.

The Seafood and Aquaculture Trail brings together 10 seafood, dining and aquaculture experiences to help you chart the journey of our delicious seafood from the sea to restaurant plates.

Take to the waters for the amazing experience of swimming with Southern Bluefin Tuna. Watch seafood being farmed and processed during guided tours of tuna, abalone and Murray Cod farms, oyster and fish processing facilities. Hop aboard a working prawn boat. Taste oysters, smoked and pickled fish or shellfish.

With 2000 kilometres of coastline, fishing and aquaculture are big business on the Eyre Peninsula. In fact, the region produces more than 60 per cent of South Australia's seafood.

The Eyre Peninsula is also a brilliant holiday destination, with a relaxed atmosphere, a gentle Mediterranean climate and friendly locals. It’s the perfect place to really “get away from it all” and have fun.

The region is also home to some incredibly beautiful landscapes. Its spectacular coastline ranges from towering limestone cliffs, sweeping surf beaches, sheltered coves and bays. Inland, you’ll find a hinterland of rolling hills and farmland, remarkable rocks and rugged ranges.

Visitors that purchase the Seafood and Beyond... Rewards Card will have access to the benefits of the Eyre Peninsula rewards program.

They will be offered discounts on accommodation, other tours and attractions and at the same time earn additional points on their card that can be redeemed when dining out or purchasing the local seafood.

For more information please call Shaun De Bruyn on 08 8682 4688 or 0428 824 688.

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