SOUTH Australia welcomed a record-breaking 442,000 international visitors during the past year, spending a record $1.1b.
Of those, the Limestone Coast welcomed 45,000 international visitors who stayed 260,000 nights in the region, pumping millions into the local economy.
Latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) results show 90pc of international visitors spent time in Adelaide, followed by the Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges and Outback.
Tourism Mount Gambier chair Kent Comley said the results were significant and showed sustained growth in the sector.
“The Limestone Coast has more international visitors than any other region in the state in line with increased flights into Adelaide and increased patronage to the Great Ocean Road,” Mr Comley said.
“The challenge for us will get them to stay longer.”
Mr Comley said the tourism industry body continued to drive the city’s visitor economy by promoting and packaging unique experiences.
“We recently launched the Discover Mount Gambier website, which is visually stunning, dynamic and a complete resource for visitors,” he said.
“Our business plan outlines projects including promotional campaigns across television and social media and partnerships with other tourism regions along the Melbourne to Adelaide touring route to encourage travellers to explore beyond the Great Ocean Road.”
Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the results were unsurprising given the Limestone Coast boasts stunning scenery and an experience for everyone.
“The Limestone Coast continues to be the leading tourism region in South Australia attracting the highest number of visits and nights,” Mr Bignell said.
“It is no surprise our international visitors are spending time in the Limestone Coast with the Coonawarra wine region, stunning scenery of the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole, picturesque beaches, as well as the Naracoorte Caves – there is something for everyone.
“The State Government has provided an additional $70m to market South Australia interstate and overseas and also secured direct flights into Adelaide with China
Southern.”
Visits from China to South Australia were at a record high of 61,000 – up 58pc and accelerating past the State Government target of 57,000.
Chinese expenditure was up a huge 54pc to a record $371m for the year ending September 2017, also surpassing the low-range 2020 target of $370m.
The United Kingdom remained the largest market with 66,000 visits, followed by China with 61,000 and the United States with 51,000.
Mr Bignell said the State Government had committed $1.8m per year to the South Australian wine sector, including $39,850 towards the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council and
Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated to undertake branding activities, develop visitor trails and explore the opening of a regional cellar door.
Visit www.tra.gov.au to view the international visitor survey results.
