Following an incredibly successful start to the year, with record breaking events that put South Australia on the map and boosted tourism and hospitality across the state, locals and interstate holidaymakers alike are now being encouraged to keep exploring SA during the winter months.
New winter deals including accommodation, experiences and tour packages are now on offer as part of the South Australian Tourism Commission's 'Winter. Our Way.' campaign. It is the next iteration of the SATC's broader 'Travel. Our Way.' campaign which launched in September 2023 targeting the state's three biggest markets - Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia - worth a combined more than $7.9 billion to the state.
Running until the end of August, 'Winter. Our Way.' seeks to inspire locals and key interstate markets to explore and book some of the incredible winter-based holiday experiences via southaustralia.com; many of them exclusive to the winter period, such as tours to see the migration of giant cuttlefish in the Eyre Peninsula.
Other offerings available as part of the campaign include cosy off-grid stays at CABN, luxury escapes at Sequoia Lodge in Adelaide Hills, and heli-camping at Rawnsley Park Station during what is the best time of year to enjoy the Flinders Ranges & Outback.
Over 180 offers are currently featured on southaustralia.com, helping drive domestic visitation and expenditure during the traditionally quieter months. South Australian tourism operators have been invited to feature in the winter campaign and still have time to list their winter-based offerings on southaustralia.com.
The winter campaign seeks to maintain the momentum for the state's tourism industry following a strong start to the year. In April alone, LIV Golf Adelaide and AFL Gather Round have already demonstrated how they grew on their inaugural editions in 2023.
The recent return of LIV Golf Adelaide achieved a record attendance of more than 94,000 people, well up on the 77,000 in 2023. Over the tournament weekend, hotel room occupancy across greater metropolitan Adelaide was at 86 per cent. On the Friday and Saturday night, hotel revenue reached an average of $3.1 million per night - up on the $2.7 million generated during the inaugural tournament.
This came after the Saturday night of AFL Gather Round saw nightly revenue reach an all-time high of $3.9 million - with the Friday and Thursday nights recording the second and fourth highest nightly revenues respectively.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said coming off an incredibly successful five months, that had the world's eyes turned on SA, it is important to continue telling South Australia's story and showcase some of the most unique and iconic destinations in the state's regions.
"There is no better place to enjoy the cooler season than in South Australia and we are inviting locals and our interstate friends to try winter our way, and discover some of SA's unique tourism offerings, the remarkable wildlife, the most extraordinary food and wine in Australia, cosy accommodation, and fabulous events on offer across the state," Minister Bettison said.
"This campaign is helping keep South Australia top of mind as a must-visit destination all year round, and drive visitation and most importantly dollars into the pockets of our tourism operators throughout the traditionally off-peak season.
Whether that be seeing the extraordinary migration of giant cuttlefish in the Eyre Peninsula, discovering new trails in the Flinders Ranges & Outback for the adventurers, or immersing in the ultimate dining experience for the foodies.
South Australia has something for everyone, and we are here to help you explore all that's on offer."
