South Australia Budget

The $29 million funding package for tourism marketing contained in the South Australian Budget will maintain the momentum of the State’s ‘Brilliant Blend’ brand campaign, says peak tourism industry group TTF Australia (Tourism & Transport Forum).

TTF Managing Director Christopher Brown welcomed Treasurer Kevin Foley’s announcement of tourism funding totalling $46.5 million, but said every dollar would need to count in the increasingly competitive domestic and international markets.

“With domestic tourism flagging it is good to see the Government investing $750,000 a year in a new marketing campaign to run in the Eastern States.

“Funding for food and wine tourism will help leverage the benefits of this key sector for the state sectors, while an extra $1 million a year for the Adelaide Convention Centre Authority will equip Adelaide to strengthen its pitch for high-yielding business tourists.

“There is also a welcome $10.8 million allocation for events in SA, to build on the success of sporting and cultural highlights like the International Rugby Sevens and WOMADelaide.

“Internationally, the investment in developing SA’s campaigns in New Zealand and in conjunction with Singapore Airlines should reap dividends.

“However, while this is a more positive Budget after last year’s cuts to funding for the South Australian Tourism Commission, we should be under no illusions about the challenges facing SA.

“Tourism is a fiercely competitive global market, and if SA is to match the marketing efforts of other destinations in Australia and overseas, it is imperative that the Government stay at the table with continued funding for the long-term.”

Mr Brown said the Budget delivered on key priorities for public transport.

“TTF’s key priority for transport was a critical issue for public transport was to upgrade the State’s ageing rail infrastructure.

“The Government has listened, and has invested $115m to improve the ability of the network to handle growing demand for public transport services.

“Replacing old sleepers might not be sexy, but it is critical to maintaining rail services, and is money well spent.

“Relocating the rail yards is another important project, along with the allocation of funds for the purchase of 36 new buses.”

Mr Brown also welcomed the improvements to the Glenelg tram line with the announcement of a South Road overpass.

“Light rail has great potential as another form of sustainable transport for Adelaide.

“This Government has built the first tram extension in Adelaide for decades, and TTF will continue to advocate for further extensions in the future.”

Mr Brown also applauded funding commitments to environmental and climate change initiatives, and to encouraging skilled migration to SA.

“The $4.2 million allocated to planning and creating marine parks will encourage sustainable tourism in SA, as will funding for an environmental public awareness campaign.

“And with the skills shortage continuing to bite the tourism and transport industries, the Government’s provision of $2.7 million in support of SA’s skilled migration program should prove a wise investment.”

Report by The Mole