New figures from Tourism Research Australia show South Australia attracted a record 378,000 international visitors last year - a 13.1 per cent increase on the previous year, and well above the national growth of 5.6 per cent.
South Australian Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said additional direct international flights into Adelaide meant South Australia was attracting more and more visitors.
"These people are coming to experience sophisticated food and wine, quality tourism infrastructure and some of the most pristine natural beauty anywhere in the world," Minister Bignell said.
“Discerning travellers are finding that by coming to Adelaide – South Australia's capital - they can enjoy a vibrant city and then visit some of our world class regions which are right on the doorstep of the capital.”
South Australia is known for exceptional local produce and world-famous wineries.
Magill Estate, the home of Australia's best known wine, Penfolds Grange, is in Adelaide, and there are more than 200 cellar doors within an hour's drive of the city centre in internationally renowned regions including the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.
"Fresh seafood is in abundance and visitors can taste Coffin Bay Oysters plucked straight from the pristine, clean ocean and follow up with local tuna, abalone, kingfish and mussels," Mr Bignell said
"The adventurous visitor can swim with tuna, sea lions or even great white sharks. Port Lincoln is one of only three places in the world where you can come face to face with the deadly sharks from the safety of an underwater cage."
In the heart of the city is the Adelaide Central Market – the largest undercover fresh-produce market in the southern hemisphere, where visitors can sample produce that has been picked that morning, talk to stall owners, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market.
Minister Bignell said Adelaide had been named by leading travel publication Lonely Planet as one of the top ten cities in the world to visit in 2014.
“The city boasts a Mediterranean climate, friendly locals, a huge array of restaurants, big blue skies and a burgeoning small bar scene,” he said.
“South Australia also has amazing wildlife experiences including the chance to cuddle a koala or swim with dolphins - both just 20 minutes from the city.
Easy to travel around and with an array of experiences, South Australia is the perfect destination for visitors to broaden their travel horizons and create lifelong memories.
For more information visit www.southaustralia.com
No comments:
Post a Comment