Tourism News

FARWELL BILL, WELCOME ANDREW

The end of the 2006-07 financial year also marked the end of an era for the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC).

At the end of June, 2007, outgoing Chief Executive Bill Spurr handed over the reins of the SATC to new CE, Andrew McEvoy.

It’s been an impressive journey for Bill who has been at the helm of the SATC since 1999 and who has worked in the tourism, events and education industries for more than 20 years.

In announcing Bill’s decision to step down late last year, Tourism Minister, the Hon Jane Lomax-Smith praised him for his dedication and contribution to the tourism industry and South Australia.

“Bill Spurr has been a leading light for tourism in this State, helping to build an impressive calendar of major events and never missing an opportunity to talk up our State’s brilliant attractions,” Minister Lomax-Smith says,

“I know that Bill will continue to be one of the industry’s most vocal champions and intends to apply his professional skills and knowledge to a variety of tourism and event projects.”

Bill started his career in tourism as the CEO of the Australian Hotels Association. He then went on to become the inaugural Head of the Adelaide TAFE Centre for Tourism Studies, following by an Executive Director role at the Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority and General Manager of Australian Major Events (now Events South Australia).

The SATC’s new CE, Andrew McEvoy, is no stranger to South Australia. Andrew was previously General Manager Marketing at the SATC between 1999 and 2003, ensuring he has a great understanding of the State and the culture of the organisation.

Andrew has almost 20 years of tourism experience and has held a number of prestigious roles in the industry since the early 1990s.

These roles include Media Manager for Tourism Victoria, a senior marketing role with Ballarat Tourism, marketing experience with the Melbourne Convention Marketing Bureau, General and most recently, Andre was Director of Industry and Organisational Development at Tourism Australia.

One of Bill’s final gestures before leaving the SATC, was to meet with renowned photographer Stavros Pippos and Andrew to view Stavros’ latest book – Light on Earth which features a rare collection of stunning photography of South Australia. (See story in News in Brief).

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



BRILLIANT START FOR SA TOURISM IN 2007

South Australia’s domestic tourism industry has had a brilliant start to the year, latest figures reveal.

Almost 2.0 million Australians visited South Australia from other States during a 12-month period to the end of March 2007 – up 13.5% compared with the preceding 12-month period.

Tourism Minister the Hon Jane Lomax-Smith says the increase in visitor numbers comes on the back of a jam-packed calendar of events and festivals in early 2007.

“This is proof that the Rann Government’s investment in major events pays dividends for our tourism industry,” she says.

“It also shows that our domestic marketing campaigns are hitting the mark, attracting tourists to our State’s brilliant blend of accessible nature, great food and wine and enviable lifestyle.

Importantly, South Australia’s overall increase in interstate visitors jumped 13.5%, compared to 7% nationally.

“It’s all happening in Adelaide and South Australia and the word has spread with help from major domestic marketing campaigns such as the Brilliant Adelaide evens promotion,” the Minister says.

“This year our first annual Adelaide Fringe Festival was a huge hit, with sell-out shows and overall ticket sales exceeding 130,000.

“WOMADelaide celebrated new box office and attendance records, the Adelaide Film Festival had a 44% increase in average daily attendances and the Clipsal 500 Adelaide had record crowds.

“On top of that, the Tour Down Under continues to attracts crowds from all over, there were 11,000 people in town during the 2007 World Police & Fire Games in March, followed by the International Rugby Sevens. The 2007 Adelaide Cabaret Festival has also just finished.

“There is plenty more to come with the Adelaide Festival of Ideas soon to start and the International Guitar Festival in November.

“SA will also host the Australasian Masters Games, Tasting Australia in October and the Panasonic World Challenge.”

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



DINE AMONG THE ANIMALS AT WARRAWONG

Forget mood lighting and flowers, Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary’s Bilby Cafe is offering diners a very different kind of ambience…an active display of Australia’s rarest nocturnal animals.

The Bilby Cafe is now open seven days a week, offering visitors an unparalleled dining experience among the animals in the heart of the iconic Adelaide Hills wildlife sanctuary.

Warrawong Sanctuary Managing Director, Mr Anthony Miller, says customer demand has led to the decision to re-open the cafe seven days a week.

Mr Miller says visitor numbers have significantly increased since he took ownership of the eco-tourism treasure in December 2006.

“It started with people paying a visit and taking one of our dawn or dusk walks and then wanting a bite to eat or some refreshments, more and more,” Mr Miller said.

“We have a new chef and a magnificent menu featuring simple, but delicious modern Australian cuisine – from steak to salt and pepper squid and fresh fish – there is something for everyone.

“It really is a focal point for the sanctuary, a cafe by day and a restaurant by night and we want it to be available to our visitors at all times.

Warrawong has experienced something of a transformation over the past six months. The sanctuary’s ‘eco-cabins’ have undergone a $150,000 renovation and offer guests a secluded and comfortable bed and breakfast experience.

In addition to the major upgrade, Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary is offering visitors free entry from 9am to 4pm seven days a week.

In December last year Mr Miller and his wife Judy gave Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary a lifeline when they bought the facility and saved South Australia’s eco-tourism treasure from closure.

Warrawong is now open seven days a week and is attracting locals, tourists, school groups and functions to the Adelaide Hills facility.

To make a booking today call Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary on 8370 9197. For Further Information: Mr Anthony Miller on 0438 266 830.


RECORD ENTRIES FOR 2007 WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE

The 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge is the ultimate challenge in sustainable energy and is expecting record entries for this year’s event.

On World Environment Day (June 5), Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith announced that the 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge would have 46 competing teams from 21 countries.

“World Environment Day is no better time to announce the breadth of teams and countries being represented in this years Panasonic World Solar Challenge,” Minister Lomax-Smith says.

“The current team entry list proves that this event is truly inspired by adventure and fuelled by the spirit of friendly competition, attracting teams from research and educational institutions around the world.

“This biennial event is based on a competitive field of solar cars crossing the Australian continent powered by nothing but the sun.

“Teams are required to research, build and design vehicles capable of completing the 3000km journey from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Adelaide South Australia.”

2007 will be the 20th anniversary year of the Panasonic World Solar Challenge. This is an energy efficiency challenge, all about creating a balance between sustainable speed and endurance, energy management and strategic planning.

“The young people committed to participate in this event are destined to be the very ones who will be responsible for delivering these technologies in the future.”

The 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge will be held from 21-28 October 2007. All cars will depart from Darwin on 21 October and the leading teams are expected to arrive in Adelaide four days later.

The event is managed by Events South Australia, the event arm of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

For more information please call Michele D’Aloia on 08 8463 4695.

FUNDING BOOST FOR SA'S TOURISM PROJECTS

In good news for the State’s tourism industry, South Australian events are set to share in nearly $600,000 funding from the State Government in 2007/08, while almost $900,000 in State Government money has been committed to a range of tourism projects this financial year.

The Bay to Birdwood Classic, Barossa Gourmet Weekend, Ales, Sails and Scales Festival (Yorke Peninsula) and Oysterfest (Eyre Peninsula) are among 87 events set to receive sponsorships, which have been allocated via the South Australian Tourism Commission’s events arm, Events South Australia, as part of the Regional Events and Festivals Program and Community Events Development Fund.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says events are proven tourism drawcards, and the Regional Events and Festivals Program is an important way to attract extra visitors to South Australia’s regions.

“South Australia has a reputation for showcasing brilliant events and festivals, and in addition to our stellar calendar of major events in Adelaide, visitors will find festivals and celebrations happening in regional South Australia almost every weekend of the year, “ she says.

Meanwhile, the State Government has also committed almost $900,000 to a range of tourism projects across the state, with a focus on water sustainability and good environmental management.

Twenty-two projects, worth $8.1 million, will receive grants through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) Tourism Development Fund.

Some of the projects to receive funding in 2007/2008 include:

Development of a sustainable recycling and subsurface irrigation system at Port Vincent and Stansbury Caravan Park on the Yorke Peninsula;
Installation of a biocycle wastewater treatment system at Copley Caravan Park in the Flinders Ranges;
Installation of a black water pump facility at Walker Flat on the Murray River to provide houseboats with an environmentally friendly option to dispose of waste;
Extension of the Riesling Trail in the Clare Valley;
Infrastructure for visitor facilities at the whistling rocks and blowholes on the Cape Bauer Tourist Loop on the Eyre Peninsula;
Development of a cellar door and restaurant for Dudley Wines in Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island;
Refurbishment of the Lady Nelson Park Visitor Information Centre in Mount Gambier.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says this year’s funding has focused on projects showcasing good environmental management.

“Sustainable tourism is the way of the future for the industry and providing funding in this area underlines the Government’s commitment to good environmental management and water conservation,” Minister Lomax-Smith says.

“The tourism industry should be applauded for its stance on the environment and this funding will assist the industry to develop projects that contribute to the environment now and in the future.”

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

Back to E-newsletter<< Contact the South Australian Tourism Commission.