19 June 2008

South Australia boosted by investment

The South Australian tourism industry has been backed with investment recently with the announcement that the Aurora Group will be taking over the Ozone Seafront Hotel on Kangaroo Island, and the Whale Centre revamped in time for the famous South Australian whale season.

The Aurora Group already own hotels in the world-famous Kakadu National Park, Alice Springs, and the Northern Territory, according to TravelMole.  By investing in the South Australian tourism industry, the group has shown the rest of Australia that South Australia has something to offer the hundreds of thousands who visit with an Australia visa. 

"This just shows that major tourism operators are willing to invest in South Australia and see our industry as one that is well-positioned to kick some big goals going forward," said the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) Chief Executive Andrew McEvoy. 

He added, "Aurora Hotels-Resorts-Attractions have an excellent track record in the Northern Territory for operating high quality experiences and accommodation and we welcome their investment and commitment to South Australia."

At the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), one of the world’s largest tourism trade shows, South Australian Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said this week, "The fact that South Australia continues to match it with other states in terms of international visitors clearly indicates our international marketing strategies are hitting the mark, and ATE will be another chance for our brilliant blend of tourism experiences to go on show to the world."

Approximately 50 international tourism journalists attending the ATE will report on the Australian travel and tourism industry this week.  "ATE will help generate billions of dollars in export earnings as a result of business generated at the event, positioning South Australia and Australia as leading holiday destinations," she added.

According to Opodo news, South Australia was also rewarded by the Travelling in Australia magazine.  The South Australian Tourism Commission was presented with several "best experience" awards, including the Best Eco Experience (Kangaroo Island), Best Adventure Experience (Rodney Fox Great White Shark Expeditions) and the Best New Product Experience (Southern Ocean Lodge).

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