The city has outpaced the rest of the nation in hotel bookings, achieving record-breaking success, new Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) data reveals.
AEDA’s latest Q1 Visitor Economy Report shows that, on average, 76.5 per cent of all hotel rooms were booked across Adelaide between January and March, in comparison to an average of 72.6 per cent in other major cities.
March recorded the highest occupancy at 82 per cent in comparison to 73 per cent nationwide. February was a close second, at 77 per cent in comparison to 74 per cent nationwide.
More than 525,000 hotel rooms were booked in that period, up 8.1 per cent from the same time last year, with each month outperforming the month prior.
In short:
- Adelaide tops the nation in hotel bookings, with record-breaking occupancy and over 525,000 rooms booked in Q1 2025.
- Visitor Centre foot traffic surges, driven by rising international arrivals and a 4.9/5 satisfaction rating.
- Visitor spending holds steady, reaching $126.7M in Q1, with Queensland and WA visitors spending the most.
AEDA Chair Steve Maras says travellers appear more confident when visiting Adelaide and are willing to book well in advance.
“These results indicate Adelaide is hitting its stride," Mr Maras says.
"Outpacing the rest of the country in hotel bookings is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the city's strong appeal and the strength of our visitor economy – it is going from strength to strength.
“People want to be here, the numbers prove it, and it shows how much momentum Adelaide has right now.”
The data shows that significant events such as LIV Golf, WOMADelaide, and business event TSANZSRS (The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science) were instrumental in helping break monthly revenue records.
Short-term rental accommodation also saw a year-on-year increase in the city and greater Adelaide.
Adelaide Visitor Information Centre (VIC) experiences visitor surge
The Visitor Economy Report shows that 8,900 people went to VIC on Pirie Street between January and March, an increase of 18.4 per cent from the previous quarter.
The service was rated 4.9/5 stars, with 90 per cent praising volunteers as extremely helpful, felt services were personalised and would recommend it to others.
Information about attractions and transport was among the main reasons people visited the centre.
It comes off the back of an influx of international visitors following more inbound flights coming into Adelaide.
Approximately 264,000 inbound passengers were recorded at Adelaide Airport, up 10 per cent from the same time last year.
Domestic travel remains the major service from Adelaide Airport, although international passenger numbers now account for 12 per cent of the passenger share.
“People are not only coming to Adelaide but actively seeking out ways to explore it,” Mr Maras says.
“While domestic travel remains strong, the growing share of international passengers is a promising sign that Adelaide’s global profile is rising.
“That momentum is being felt on the ground, from our airport gates to the heart of the city at the VIC.”
Nominal expenditure remains steady
According to the latest report, nominal expenditure between January and March 2025 was steady, growing only 1.3 per cent to $126.7 million from the quarter prior.
Visitors from New South Wales and Victoria spent less than their counterparts from Queensland and Western Australia, who dug deeper into their pockets.
“With end of financial year sales coming up, we encourage everyone to come to the wonderful Rundle Mall and experience everything it has to offer,” Mr Maras says.
Access the latest insights
- Download AEDA’s Q1 2025 Visitor Economy Report
- Explore up to date Data and Insights from the AEDA team.