City Tourism Operators Rated Among the State’s Best at South Australian Tourism Awards

City tourism operators have been celebrated as some of the state’s best, with a string of businesses winning big at this year’s South Australian Tourism Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Ibis Adelaide took home gold for 3-3.5 Star Accommodation, and the Adelaide Fringe was named the state’s best for Excellence in Accessible Tourism. Both were inducted into the Hall of Fame for winning gold in their respective categories for three consecutive years.

Other gold award winners included:

• Adelaide Botanic Garden (Major Tourist Attractions)
• Flamboyance Tours (Cultural Tourism)
• Adelaide Convention Centre (Business Event Ventures)
• The Oval Hotel (4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation)
• Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition (Tourism & Marketing Campaigns)

AEDA Chair Steve Maras said the sweep of awards highlights the city as a vibrant place for residents and visitors alike.

“These accolades highlight the passion, innovation and dedication that drive our city’s visitor economy,” Mr Maras said.

“The success of our local operators is a testament to the quality and creativity that makes the city so special.

“This recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also strengthens confidence in Adelaide’s tourism sector.

“It’s an exciting time for the visitor economy and AEDA is committed to supporting further growth, collaboration and sustainability so that even more people can experience what makes Adelaide unique.”

In addition to gold awards, more city businesses were recognised for their tremendous contribution to the tourism sector.

Silver awards went to:

• MOD. (Tourist Attractions, Excellence in Accessible Tourism)
• Adelaide Festival (Festivals & Events)
• Radelaide Tours (Cultural Tourism)
• Adelaide Oval Functions and Events (Business Events Venues)
• Eos by SkyCity (5-star Luxury Accommodation)

Bronze awards went to:

• Adelaide Oval (Major Tourist Attractions)
• Chihuly in the Botanic Garden (Festivals & Events)
• Events at SkyCity (Business Events Venues)
• Adelaide Oval RoofClimb (Adventure Tourism)

The SA Tourism Awards, hosted by Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), featured more than 26 categories that showcased the state’s most exceptional tourism businesses.

There were 28 first-time entrants who achieved finalist status this year, reflecting the calibre of fresh talent and the innovation shaping the future of South Australian tourism.

Gold winners of each category have secured an opportunity to fly the flag for the state at the Australian Tourism Awards on 6 March 2026 in Fremantle.

TiCSA Chief Executive Shaun de Bruyn said all operators involved in the awards delivered “exemplary” visitor experiences.

“This year’s winners represent the passion and authenticity that make our state a destination like no other,” he said.

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison MP said the diversity of winners was a clear demonstration of what makes South Australia a must-visit state.

“The passion and dedication of everyone who is part of our visitor economy enables our state’s tourism sector to be the success it is, contributing close to $10 billion each year and provides meaningful jobs for more than 40,000 South Australians,” Ms Bettison says.

AEDA recognises the visitor economy as an important contributor to the city’s continued economic growth.

It supports tourism operators, as well as events and festivals operators, within the city by promoting Adelaide as a world-class city for tourism and events.

AEDA is working towards creating a new Experience Adelaide Centre that will be best-in-class across Australia.

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