Your City Tourism, 26 February
Stay ahead of what’s shaping Adelaide’s visitor economy with the City Tourism Newsletter—your direct line to the latest tourism insights, professional development opportunities, grants and funding, and practical tools to grow your tourism business.
City retailers and operators enjoyed a standout December 2025, with a record $430 million spent across the CBD and North Adelaide over the festive season. High expenditure was fuelled by the 2025–26 NRMA Insurance Ashes series and extended midnight trading on selected nights in Rundle Mall, keeping foot traffic—and tills—buzzing well into the night.
The Adelaide Festival Centre has reopened following extensive upgrades of the Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse, Space Theatre and the Western Plaza. Programming will return to the theatres, while the Angry Penguin restaurant will open its doors and channel the fierce spirit of South Australia’s arts history.
The city becomes a stage when Make Music Day returns to the CBD and North Adelaide on Saturday, 20 June 2026. South Australian musicians, music facilitators and venues can enter expression of interests to take part in the citywide celebration of local sound. From grassroots and early career artists to seasoned performers, all practicing musicians from the many diverse music communities across South Australia are encouraged to apply. All performers are paid. Any business, venue, bar, restaurant or retail space in the city can apply to host gigs. Submissions close on Friday, 6 March 2025.
Hear directly from leaders shaping the visitor economy, uncover fresh strategies to advance Australia’s tourism landscape and identify new ways to collaborate for a more competitive and sustainable sector at Destination Australia. The conference takes place on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at CENTREPIECE in Melbourne, or presentations can be viewed virtually.
Aboriginal-owned tourism businesses can access 10 hours of hands-on, expert support designed to strengthen their operations as part of the Aboriginal Business Coaching program. Learn how to identify priorities, solve problems and build skills through advice, planning and accountability. Applications close on Saturday, 28 February 2026. The program is hosted by TiCSA in collaboration with SAATOC.
Adelaide is now part of an influential global network of more than 45 leading cultural cities—including London, Tokyo, Milan and New York City—that are committed to sharing knowledge, research and best practice in arts and culture. Through this network, cities actively exchange ideas, research and proven strategies to place culture at the heart of city planning and investment.
South Australian businesses can harness the power of AI as part of the AI Capability Pilot Program. The AI Capability Pilot Program will equip South Australian small and family businesses with less than 20 FTEs with the tools, skills and confidence to integrate AI solutions into their operations. Successful applicants will get nine hours of tailored support, plus ongoing access to guidance and resources.