Visitor spend in the city remains strong, new data shows

Total visitor spend in the city was almost 20 per cent higher in April 2023 in comparison to the same period last year, new Adelaide Economic Development Agency data shows.

Figures showed visitors spent $184.18 million in April 2023, in comparison to $153.52 million at the same time in 2022.

This makes up about 95 per cent of April’s total city expenditure.

AEDA Acting Managing Director Greg Ratsch said spending in the first quarter of 2023 was well above 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

“Growth was driven by major events and festivals which attracted people into the city, such as the Fringe and Adelaide Festival, AFL Gather Round, LIV Golf and Tasting Australia,” Mr Ratsch said.

The data also showed the highest spending visitors hailed from Western Australia, with many opting to stop by the Adelaide Visitor Information Centre on Pirie Street.

Interstate tourists accounted for 16.2 per cent of total city expenditure, the data showed.

Mr Ratsch said the city’s premier shopping strip, Rundle Mall, had been a beneficiary of the strong start of the year.

“April foot traffic was 36 per cent higher than the same time in 2019, and 29 per cent higher than April 2022,” he said.

“Similarly, March foot traffic this year was up 16 per cent on March 2022 supported by an exemption to trade later on Saturdays during Festival season.”

To find out more about the report, visit AEDA’s Data & Insights hub.