Q3 2025 Visitor Economy Report: City Stays Hit New Highs as Events and International Travel Fuel Adelaide’s Hotel Growth

Hotel revenue in the city continues to rise, according to new data from the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), as strong business event attendance and a record number of international travellers contribute to robust local expenditure.

According to AEDA’s latest Visitor Economy Report, hotel room revenue increased 15 per cent, up from $86.45 million in Q3 2024 to $101.7 million in Q3 2025.

Occupancy was 11 percentage points higher over the same time period, data showed, as numbers peaked at 95 per cent on 12 July for the British & Irish Lions clash at the Adelaide Oval.

Hotel bookings reached 94 per cent when the Adelaide Crows took on Hawthorn on 12 September for the AFL semi-final.

Hotel occupancy also reached 95 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels, even with a 28 per cent increase in the number of rooms since June 2019.

AEDA Chair Steve Maras said growing revenue highlighted the strong confidence in Adelaide’s visitor economy sector.

“Adelaide has shifted from its ‘hidden gem’ status for tourists and business travellers to a must-visit destination,” Mr Maras said.

“Rising revenue is just an early indicator of a bigger story—people genuinely want to experience the city.

“With its mix of culture, food, events and laidback charm, it feels like the city is stepping into its stride, and that energy is only going to build as summer and Mad March approach.”

Business events reached record highs last quarter, which generated a substantial number of bed nights and a significant economic impact.

More than 14,200 delegates visited the city in September, the highest ever recorded, which contributed to an estimated economic impact of $111.6 million.

Overall, for Q3 2025, business event expenditure reached $176.4 million, which marked a 59 per cent increase from Q3 2024 and a 120 per cent increase from Q2 2025.

Among the conferences hosted were the Mobile Travel Agents event, which had the highest number of bed nights booked, as well as the Australasian Society of Aerospace Medicine and AIMEX Asian Pacific Conference.

Mr Maras said expenditure from business events spanned further than the event locations and hotels.

“The city is a great place for business events for the professionalism it can offer, but it also has so many places to visit afterwards with its fantastic hospitality and shopping in Rundle Mall, Adelaide's premier shopping precinct,” Mr Maras said.

According to a Business Events Adelaide report, each delegate would usually spend more than $1,600, on average, during their time in Adelaide.

Flight passenger numbers at Adelaide Airport increased by six per cent in Q3 2025, reaching 2.3 million visitors.

The rise followed an increase in the number of flights in and out of Adelaide Airport as airlines resumed, or commenced, services from Adelaide.

According to the report, growth was underpinned by China Southern's commencement of flights to Guangzhou.

International expenditure in the city was 14 per cent higher than Q3 2024, increasing to $47 million this quarter.

"International visitors are not just coming, they’re spending, and the recommencement of flights is delivering real economic benefits for our city,” Mr Maras said.

“It means more opportunities for local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to cultural attractions.

“It is also helping Adelaide connect with major global hubs, making the city more accessible for tourists and business travellers alike.”

Visitors have snapped up hotel rooms well ahead of their visits to secure their stay in one of the city’s many hotels.

The data showed that travellers were more confident in booking further ahead, with higher forward occupancy compared to last year.

Hotel occupancy data for the next 90 days showed that the number of rooms booked would peak at 93 per cent on 18 December, up from 26 per cent in 2024, coinciding with the NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes Test.

On 17 January 2026, occupancy is expected to peak at 46 per cent, up from 37 per cent on the same day this year and 65 per cent on 14 February, up from 56 per cent, which would coincide with LIV Golf.

“With events and festivals on the way, as well as school holidays, the confidence in Adelaide is reflected by strong forward bookings,” Mr Maras said.

“We know Adelaide is the place to be, and it appears travellers have worked that out too.”

For a deep dive into information, download the Visitor Economy Report Q3 2025.