South Australia 2023/24 budget includes $20.8 million to secure and develop events

June 16, 2023

Events / Finance / Government /

The South Australian 2023/24 Budget includes $20.8 million over four years to secure further new events and grow existing events across the state.

This is in addition to the government’s continued commitment to hosting the LIV Golf tournament and AFL Gather Round, credited with boosting business confidence by six points in the latest Business SA survey.

The events drew visitors from interstate and overseas, boosting hotels and the regions. A record turnover of $281 million was recorded in cafes, restaurants and take away food services during April, according to the ABS - up $54.9 million on the same month in April 2022, or 24%.

Other impressive events include Harvest Rock, the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, Fringe Festival, WOMADelaide and 2022 VAILO Adelaide 500.

The success of 2022 VAILO Adelaide 500 was highlighted by an attendance of 258,200 people and economic activity valued at $51.85 million. More than 12,000 people travelled to South Australia from interstate for the event, with an estimated 96,671 visitor nights in South Australia due to the event.

To build on this success, an additional $3.5million will be provided to the VALO Adelaide 500 in 2023 to procure more shading for grandstand areas with an ongoing $3.5million each year to ensure its ongoing quality. This funding is in addition to the $16million per year already budgeted.

As pledged during the election, the SA Government is supporting the Arts providing the Adelaide Film Festival with an additional $500,000 each year to enable the festival to be staged annually.

The move will elevate the profile of the State’s film sector internationally, at a time when Australian films are shining on the world stage and cement the Adelaide Film Festival as a fixture on the global creative calendar.

SA Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison notes “the economic benefit of investing in major events has been well demonstrated over the last few months.

“Major events are vital for the state, as they generate strong demand and record-breaking bookings for our tourism and hospitality industry.

“Beyond this, major events do a fantastic job of telling South Australia’s story through media and broadcast coverage, bringing communities together creating a wonderful sense of pride and contributing strongly to South Australia’s brand.

“There is a great sense of pride within Adelaide and within the tourism and hospitality industry creating a momentum never seen before in SA.”

Image. VALO Adelaide 500 Credit: Adelaide 500

1st June 2023 - South Australian Tourism Commission launches Agritourism Plan 2025

14th April 2023 - Former Lord Mayor of Adelaide appointed as new chair of Art Gallery of South Australia

19th March 2023 - Adelaide Zoo among South Australian businesses to secure major tourism awards

17th March 2023 - Adelaide Fringe Festival aiming to be first event in Australia to sell one million tickets

9th January 2023 - South Australian Tourism Commission anticipates 2023 to be the state’s biggest year yet for events

5th November 2022 - South Australian Tourism Award winners announced for 2022

9th May 2022 - South Australian Motorsport Board appoints Mark Warren to deliver returning Adelaide 500

28th March 2022 - New South Australian Premier announces return of Adelaide 500 supercars race for 2022

3rd February 2022 - Adelaide Fringe 2022 features First Nations contemporary circus

29th January 2022 - Adelaide Fringe 2022 explores intersection of art and technology

30th October 2020 - South Australian Government withdraws from hosting Adelaide 500 in 2021

25th July 2018 - iEDM secures five-year Adelaide 500 project management extension

9th March 2018 - Womadelaide’s largest program ready to attract record crowds

3rd November 2017 - Womadelaide to remain in Adelaide until 2024 as Botanic Park venue size expands

13th March 2016 - Adelaide Fringe and Womadelaide see record attendances

11th March 2014 - Womadelaide stage damaged by fire after end of world music and dance festival

25th August 2011 - Foxtix signs WOMADelaide Foundation

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