SA:International tourists spend more in SA

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2011
SA:International tourists spend more in SA

ADELAIDE, Dec 7 AAP - International visitors are spending more in South Australia despite
the gloomy global economy, providing a boost to the state's tourism sector.

Figures from Tourism Research Australia show international visitor spending was up
4.7 per cent in SA over the past 12 months, to $756 million.

That put spending since 2007 up by 57 per cent.

Tourism Minister Gail Gago said the increases showed local tourism operators were adjusting
to the challenges and opportunities presented by economic instability in Europe and the
growth in the Asian tourist market.

"There is no doubt that instability in the global financial markets is impacting the
Australian and South Australian tourism industries," Ms Gago said.

"But these figures show the resilience of our industry and its ability to grow despite
external pressures."

The South Australian Tourism Commission has invested in a series of international marketing
campaigns aimed at growing the state's market share, particularly in Asia.

Next week it will launch a Chinese language version of its new website, which is a
one-stop-shop for researching, planning and booking a holiday.

AAP tjd/sn

KEYWORD: TOURISM SA

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