The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has welcomed the South Australian Government’s decision to increase tourism funding in its 2015-16 Budget, to be handed down on Thursday.

“With South Australia last week recording its worst unemployment level in 14 years, it is encouraging to see the Weatherill Government investing in job-creating industries such as tourism,” TTF CEO Margy Osmond said today.

“As the State’s economy transitions away from manufacturing, the tourism industry has the potential to create jobs and prosperity for generations to come.

“Tourism is already a significant part of the South Australian economy, sustaining 54,000 jobs and contributing $6.3 billion in economic consumption every year.

“Investing in tourism and the SATC is a sound economic development strategy for South Australia, and it is great to see the Weatherill Government aggressively chasing major growth in the tourism sector.

“Among the measures announced by the South Australian Government yesterday, there is $40 million to market South Australia as a visitor destination, secure new major events and grow the Tour Down Under cycling event.

“TTF has long advocated for governments to boost tourism marketing, and it is fantastic to see South Australia deliver $14 million to market the state to emerging and established international markets and $6 million to promote Adelaide as a visitor destination to domestic markets.

“The $15 million boost to the State Government’s events bidding fund will also help South Australia attract and retain lucrative business and major events.

“These measures will help grow South Australia’s visitor economy and ensure the state remains competitive with other states around the country,” she said.