Budget measures, including cuts to business taxes and increases in destination marketing funding, will place South Australia’s tourism industry in a strong position for growth, Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) CEO Margy Osmond said today.

“These budget measures are good news for South Australian tourism,” Ms Osmond said.

“Cutting business taxes supports private enterprises to grow and makes it cheaper to do business.

“These measures will encourage growth in the tourism, accommodation and hospitality industries by stimulating business activity and investment.

“The Government’s $64.7 million boost to tourism, major events and international education initiatives will also help grow the State’s visitor economy.

“In particular, we welcome the additional funding to market South Australia as a visitor destination and secure new major events for the State.

“With unemployment at record levels and the South Australian economy transitioning away from industries like manufacturing, the Weatherill Government has made an astute move by investing in job-creating industries like tourism.

“Tourism already sustains 54,000 jobs and contributes $6.3 billion in economic consumption in South Australia every year.

“The industry is primed for further growth, having been identified as one of five super sectors with the great potential to grow Australian jobs and income.

“Today’s Budget measures will certainly help facilitate growth in South Australian tourism,” she said.