An Australian actor, international food festival director, industry representatives and business leaders are among members of a new group that will help inform the exciting new era of events in South Australia.
The Events Advisory Group will meet for the first time next week and will help drive new and innovative event opportunities for South Australia
Business SA's Nikki Govan will chair the new Advisory Group - providing independent advice to the South Australian Tourism Commission, as well as bolstering engagement with industry operators.
Premier Steven Marshall said the group would act as a "think tank" to help supercharge our already comprehensive events offering here in South Australia.
"We are committed to a world class events calendar throughout the year in South Australia, because we know that it supports jobs and the economy," Premier Marshall said.
"This is all part of our strong plan to boost bed nights, create jobs and produce high quality and vibrant events for the people of South Australia.
"We are investing heavily in major events and conventions, announcing a unique tourism and hospitality sector support package to help secure as many events as we can. This is on top of our significant payroll tax relief measures as well as our small business $10,000 cash grants for those still impacted by COVID-19.
"The new advisory group includes representatives from the events, tourism, industry, hospitality and business sectors, who are all passionate about boosting our events and festivals calendar and driving visitation to South Australia."
The State Government's Tourism and Hospitality Sector Support package includes:
- An extra $12 million over three years for a bid fund to help attract and secure new major leisure events and conventions to further drive future visitation and protect and create jobs in the sector
- $40 million over four years to continue existing levels of funding available for events and conventions plus the reallocation of millions of dollars per annum from Adelaide 500 funding to these funds
- More than $120 million over four years to tourism marketing. Funding previously directed to international marketing is being reallocated to domestic marketing - both intrastate and interstate. This will continue whilst international travel remains restricted
- $20 million over two years for a Tourism Industry Development Fund to help stimulate private sector investment in new and improved regional accommodation and the development of quality tourism products and experiences
- The reallocation of Great State Voucher funding left over for new scheme early in 2021.
- Major sporting infrastructure funding, $44 million for Memorial Drive and $45 for Hindmarsh Stadium - which has already enabled South Australia to secure the Adelaide International for a decade.
Events and festivals generate more than $375 million in tourism expenditure each year, showcasing South Australia to the world and putting the state on the tourism and corporate stage.
Members of the Events Advisory Group:
- Nikki Govan - Business SA Chair
- Rodney Harrex - SATC
- Ish Davies - News Limited
- Andy Kay - Channel 7
- Leko Novakovic - Novatech
- Helen Edwards - Chair of Adelaide Hills Tourism
- Justyna Jochym - Festivals Adelaide
- Rhana Devenport - Art Gallery of SA Director
- Sandy Verschoor - Lord Mayor of Adelaide
- Eoin Loftus - TiCSA / Majestic Hotels
- David Basheer - AHA / Strathmore Hotel
- Angus Dillon - LA Times Food Festival
- David Christian - Skycity Adelaide
- Hugh Sheridan - South Australian actor
- Oli Duckworth - Hospitality professional
