International Visitor Numbers up as AEDA Welcomes Tourism Delegates to the City for Industry Conference

International visitation numbers in January were at their highest point since 2022, new data analysed by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency shows.

The most recent Visitor Economy Report Q1 2023 showed a strong start to the year, with major events such as the Adelaide International, Tour Down Under, Adelaide Fringe and WOMAD attracting visitor nights and high levels of expenditure.

The number of people using the Visitor Information Centre on Pirie Street also grew considerably, with numbers up 96 per cent on the same quarter in 2022.

The findings come as AEDA, the City of Adelaide and South Australian Tourism Commission welcomed more than 50 delegates from 43 visitor information centres across the state for the 2023 South Australian Visitor Information Centre Conference.

South Australian Visitor Information Centre Network Chair Andy Glen said he was “pleased” to see the city “come back to life” post COVID-19 pandemic.

The report also showed:

• Visitor expenditure during the 2023 Adelaide Fringe was 20 per cent higher than the same period in 2022.
• Midweek visitor economy was strong in the first quarter of 2023, with a 185 per cent increase in business event delegates.
• The Big Bash League cricket and the Australian Football League encouraged spending across dining and entertainment, specifically in North Adelaide.
• Singular events, such as Valentine’s Day and the Ed Sheeran concert, saw an uptake in hotel occupancy and midweek expenditure.
• Visitor expenditure increased across dining and entertainment, with a spending 26 per cent higher during the second half of March 2023 when compared to the first half.

• Interstate spend was $142.9 million, a 36 per cent increase on Q1 2022.

To keep up to date with AEDA’s Visitor Economy Reports, visit the Data and Insights’ Economic Reports page.