The claim has been backed by reports that reveal Adelaide now has the highest occupancy rates across all of Australia and New Zealand.
Whilst the eastern states have traditionally outperformed Adelaide, recent developments in the tourism industry have helped the city grow its occupancy.
The latest statistics from global analytics firm STR revealed that Adelaide recorded an occupancy rate of 79%, the highest across Australia and New Zealand.
Ian Horne, General Manager of the Australian Hotels Association South Australia believes recent innovative hotel construction will be a vital part of Adelaide’s future tourism success.
‘Eos by SkyCity… which opened its doors in 2020, is a massive piece of the puzzle for the emergence of Riverbank in Adelaide as Australia’s up and coming tourist destination,’ he said.
Mr Horne has high hopes for the riverbank precinct comparing it to similar spaces in other cities.
“With a wonderful array of business and activities, Adelaide’s Riverbank holds potential to evolve into the likes of Melbourne’s Southbank, or Sydney’s Circular Quay over coming years.”
South Australian Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison has praised the strong results for the CBD and post pandemic recovery.
“We know the city was hit hard during the pandemic – so to see it coming back busier than ever, to reach a new post-pandemic record and to have the highest occupancy of any other city in Australia shows the strength of tourism in our state,” she said.
Bettison says the results show more people are visiting and spending at businesses, cafes, bars, and retail which gives a welcome boost to local jobs.