State Tourism Budget
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The recently released State Tourism Budget indicates an increase in funding of 3.1% to a total cash input by government of $51.8 million.
This increase will not cover even inflation over that period
Some good news is
An increase of $855k in Events, mostly going to TDU promotion and support for the Australian Tourism Exchange to be held in Adelaide again in 2010.
$22.8mill to Domestic Marketing, an increase of $762mill over 07-08 expenditure or +3.4%.
$2.315mill to Industry Development, an increase of 6.3% over 07-08 expenditure or +6.3%
The bad news...
International Marketing will receive only $7.544mill or a reduction of 0.2%, which when considered against inflation in media alone is a big hit.
Tourism Infrastructure receives $2.166mill or 5% less than last year's expenditure
The budget papers indicate that the Minister and the SATC have been successful in squeezing extra dollars out of the Treasurer over the last year and against the meager $47mill provided in the 07-08 period. We wish them luck this year.
Outside of the Tourism line, government has provided $2.5mill to relocate and fit out new offices for the SATC in Waymouth St.
$50mill has been provided for extensions to the Entertainment Centre which will provide little or no new tourism revenue for the state.
Some questions are being asked as to why this was not committed to upgrading the Adelaide Convention Centre as it attempts to keep pace with more modern venues in a growing and important market.
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