Speeches

Thursday, 04 November 2021

Tourism Industry Council of South Australia Awards

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It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the Tourism Industry Council awards, with a record number of finalists and attendees.

To the finalists across all 33 categories of awards - congratulations!

This is a well-earned acknowledgement, after what has been a very unpredictable and challenging couple of years.

There are 17,000 tourism businesses in South Australia – and I think it is fair to say that every single one has been affected by the COVID‑19 pandemic.

With international borders shut to tourists for 590 days, interstate borders opening and closing, and the up and down of restrictions, you have all faced major disruptions to your operations and your income.

I commend the 31,000 South Australian tourism workers for their resilience, determination and positive outlook in the face of unchartered waters.

It has been great to see intrastate travel doing well, with South Australians getting out and exploring their own backyards.

Now that international travel is opening up again, and vaccination rates are climbing, we can be optimistic about the future of tourism in South Australia.

I know from my previous life how attractive South Australia is to international visitors and I know from my present one just how warmly they will be welcomed back.

I thank the Board and staff of the Tourism Industry Council for its committed support of members throughout the pandemic.

Tourism is worth nearly $6 billion to our state, and the Council’s contribution to the development, profitability and sustainability of tourism businesses is vital to their success.

Once again I congratulate all the finalists, and I look forward to seeing the winners announced later this evening.

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC

GOVERNOR OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA