International visitor numbers, bed nights and spend have continued to decrease in South Australia which is a clear reflection of tourism budget cuts, TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond has said following the release of Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey today.

“The data released today is incredibly worrying for South Australia, “ Ms Osmond said.

“For the second year in a row the SA government has cut the State’s tourism promotion budget and the results are plain to see.

“They say you reap what you sow, and today’s results are a clear indication of what is happening to South Australia’s tourism market.

“The visitor number decline is a direct reflection on the lack of investment into tourism promotion,”

“Yesterday’s budget revealed a further $3 million budget cut per year to Tourism spending over the next four years,” Ms Osmond said.

A recent survey conducted by TTF and Nielsen shows that 62% of South Australians believe that the Government should place more importance on tourism.
50% felt more money should be spent promoting South Australia as a destination in other countries and 78 % believe that more tourists visiting South Australia means more jobs and a stronger economy.

“If every day South Australians can see the importance of tourism to the State’s economy it is difficult to understand why the Government doesn’t,” Ms Osmond said.

“The SA Government has clearly thrown the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to supporting the tourism industry and now is the time to rethink their strategy.”

For further information please contact Anna Wallin Media and Communication Manager Tourism & Transport Forum on 0408 832 999 or email awallin@ttf.org.au