South Australians are increasingly holidaying at home with latest Federal Government figures showing an almost 12 per cent increase in overnight holidays.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the National Visitor Survey results released today indicate that the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Best Backyard campaign is paying dividends.

“It’s great to see people are again travelling within the state and supporting our local tourism industry,” Mr Bignell said.

“The Best Backyard campaign has been running for more than 18 months now and these results suggest it has successfully inspired people to get out and explore the incredible experiences we have right here in South Australia.”

The National Visitor Survey shows overall visitations by Australians to South Australia are up 2.3 per cent.

“More than 62 per cent of total visitors are leaving Adelaide city and getting out to regional South Australia,” Mr Bignell said.

“And almost 50 per cent of our domestic tourism expenditure is being generated within our regions, which is great news for our regional tourism operators.”

The expansion of domestic air services including the return of Tiger Airways has driven a 24 per cent increase in people visiting family and friends in Adelaide.

Mr Bignell said he expects the recent launch of the national campaign promoting the Barossa, and the next phase of the intrastate Best Backyard campaign due to start this week, will help to improve visitor numbers even further.

“Tourism Research Australia statistics released last week showed a 9 per cent increase in international visitors to South Australia. These results, combined with today’s release of the national visitor numbers, paint a bright picture for South Australian tourism,” Mr Bignell said.

Tourism is a $5 billion industry for South Australia and directly employs 32,000 people.

For more on South Australia see southaustralia.com