South Australia’s Greatest Tourism Businesses Revealed at the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards

South Australia’s finest tourism operators were celebrated last night at the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards Gala Dinner, held at the iconic Adelaide Oval. With over 26 categories recognising the state’s most exceptional tourism businesses, the awards highlight the industry’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to delivering world-class visitor experiences.

From luxury accommodations to eco-tourism pioneers, this year’s winners reflect the diversity and strength of South Australia’s tourism industry, which continues to set the benchmark for excellence across the nation.

The evening also saw special recognition for long-standing contributors to the industry, with Kool Tours joining the prestigious Hall of Fame after achieving three consecutive wins in its category.

Industry Snapshot:

• 54% of this year’s winners are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), showcasing the significant role that local businesses play in driving South Australia’s thriving tourism industry.
• 24 first-time entrants achieved finalist status, reflecting the fresh talent and innovative ideas shaping the future of tourism in the state.
• 96% of the winners are Quality & Sustainable Tourism Accredited, demonstrating their dedication to upholding the highest standards of excellence and sustainability.

Industry Leadership and Recognition

Shaun de Bruyn, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), praised the winners for their outstanding contributions and commitment to excellence:

“These awards showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of South Australia’s tourism operators. Each of this year’s winners represents the spirit and commitment that make our state an incredible destination.

“From small family enterprises to large corporations, the focus by the people driving these businesses on delivering outstanding visitor experiences and upholding high standards as responsible tourism operators, is truly inspiring. South Australia’s tourism industry continues to grow, evolve, and set new benchmarks for excellence on both a national and international scale.”

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison also emphasised the importance of the tourism industry to South Australia and praised the winners for their exceptional achievements:

“Congratulations to all the dedicated and innovative businesses celebrated at the South Australian Tourism Awards. Every tourism operator in South Australia makes our state a must-visit destination for all types of travellers from all over the world.

“In a testament to our industry’s commitment to delivering tourism for good, almost all the award winners are Quality & Sustainable Tourism Accredited – which we know is what potential visitors are looking for when deciding on where to spend their time and money.

“This year’s winners will soon go up against the winners from across the country right here in Adelaide, when we host the national awards in March.

“Thank you to the Tourism Industry Council of South Australia for hosting these terrific Awards, and thank you to all of the SA businesses who took the time to make a submission.”

People’s Choice Award – Supported by Uber

The People’s Choice Awards, supported by Uber, were awarded to Monarto Safari Park for Tourism Experiences/Services and Big 4 West Beach Parks for Accommodation. Voted for by the public, this award highlights the tourism awards finalists that have captured the hearts of South Australians and visitors alike.

Hall of Fame Inductee

Kool Tours was inducted into the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition reserved for businesses that have won their category for three consecutive years. As a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated tourism company, Kool Tours is a leader in the industry, authentically showcasing South Australia’s Aboriginal cultural heritage and contributing to the diversity and depth of the state’s tourism landscape.

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

Outgoing Zoos SA Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Bensted, was recognised for her significant impact on South Australia’s tourism industry as recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Contribution award. Under her leadership, Zoos SA has achieved significant tourism growth and accolades and become a key player in tourism through the delivery of world-class wildlife experiences. Elaine has also been instrumental in championing the profound connection between tourism and conservation, driving initiatives that showcase how tourism can lead to impactful conservation outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The winners of the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards will now go on to represent South Australia at the Australian Tourism Awards, set to be held in Adelaide in 2025.

Full List of Winners

To view the full list of winners and find out more about the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards, visit https://ticsa.com.au/2024-sa-tourism-award-winners/.

ENDS

The 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards is supported by the South Australian Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission.

CATEGORY WINNERS AND MEDALLISTS – 2024

The entrant with the highest score in the category is declared the winner. Silver and bronze medals are awarded to the second and third-highest scoring entrants respectively, provided they meet a specific score threshold. Hall of Fame recognition is awarded to entrants who win the same category three years in a row.

Major Tourist Attractions – Supported by Big Red Group
Winner – Monarto Safari Park  (Murray River, Lakes and Coorong)
Silver – Adelaide Festival Centre (Adelaide)
Bronze – Adelaide Botanic Garden (Adelaide)

Tourist Attractions – Supported by RAA Travel
Winner – d’Arenberg (Fleurieu Peninsula)
Silver – Adelaide Gaol (Adelaide)
Bronze – MOD. (Adelaide)

Major Festivals & Events – Supported by Festival City Adelaide
Winner – Adelaide Festival (Adelaide)
Silver – Illuminate Adelaide (Adelaide)
Bronze – WOMADelaide (Adelaide)

Festivals & Events – Supported by Festival City Adelaide
Winner – Sleep’s Hill Tunnel (Adelaide)
Silver – 2024 Glenelg Ice Cream Festival (Adelaide)
Bronze – 2024 Let’s Go Caravan, Camping and Outdoor Show (Adelaide)

Ecotourism – Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Winner – The Big Duck Boat Tours (Fleurieu Peninsula)
Silver – Nilpena Ediacara National Park (Flinders Ranges & Outback)

Cultural Tourism – Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Winner – Adelaide Zoo (Adelaide)
Silver – Flamboyance Tours (Adelaide)

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism – Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Hall of Fame – Kool Tours (Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula)

Tourism Retail, Hire & Services – Supported by Tourism Industry Council SA
Winner – Copper Trails Bike Hire (Yorke Peninsula)
Silver – Adelaide Central Market (Adelaide)
Bronze – Bike About Mountain Bike Tours & Hire pty ltd (Adelaide Hills)

Visitor Information Services – Supported by Local Government Association of SA
Winner – Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre (Eyre Peninsula)
Silver – Clare Valley Wine, Food and Tourism Centre (Clare Valley)
Bronze – Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre (Flinders Ranges & Outback)

Business Event Venues – Supported by Adelaide Airport
Winner – Adelaide Convention Centre (Adelaide)
Silver – Events at SkyCity (Adelaide)
Bronze – Adelaide Oval (Adelaide)

Major Tour & Transport Operators – Supported by RAA Travel
Winner – SeaLink Marine & Tourism – PS Murray Princess (Murray River, Lakes and Coorong)

Tour & Transport Operators – Supported by Gallagher
Winner – Spirit of the Coorong (Fleurieu Peninsula)
Silver – Juggle House Experiences (Murray River, Lakes and Coorong)
Bronze – Port River Cruises (Adelaide)

Adventure Tourism – Supported by Adelady
Winner – Bendleby Ranges (Flinders Ranges & Outback)
Silver – Woodhouse Adventure Park (Adelaide Hills)
Bronze – RoofClimb Adelaide Oval (Adelaide)

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns – Supported by Tourism Australia
Winner – Barossa. Be Curious (Barossa)
Silver – Station Stays SA Flinders Ranges & Outback (Flinders Ranges & Outback)

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Supported by Restaurant and Catering Association of Australia
Winner – L’Anse French Café (Eyre Peninsula)
Silver – The Currant Shed (Fleurieu Peninsula)
Bronze – Watervale Hotel (Clare Valley)

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries – Supported by Altitude Advisory
Winner – Seppeltsfield Barossa (Barossa)
Silver – Pindarie Wines (Barossa)
Bronze – Dandelion Vineyards (Fleurieu Peninsula)

Caravan & Holiday Parks – Supported by Caravan & Camping SA
Winner – BIG4 West Beach Parks (Adelaide)

Hosted Accommodation – Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Winner – Oceanview Eco Villas (Kangaroo Island)

Unique Accommodation – Supported by Tourism Australia
Winner – Woodhouse Adventure Park (Adelaide Hills)
Silver – Mount Little Station (Flinders Ranges & Outback)
Bronze – Bukirk Glamping & Fancy Coops (Clare Valley)

Self Contained Accommodation – Supported by Bank SA
Winner – Old Coach Road Estate (Fleurieu Peninsula)
Silver – Neagles Retreat Villas (Clare Valley)
Bronze – ‘THE CHURCH’ Gawler Barossa Region (Barossa)

3-3.35 Star Accommodation – Supported by Wallmans Lawyers
Winner – ibis Adelaide (Adelaide)

4-4.5 Star Accommodation – Supported by Accommodation Australia (SA) and the Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch)
Winner – Oval Hotel (Adelaide)
Silver – Beach Huts Middleton (Fleurieu Peninsula)
Bronze – Atura Hotel Adelaide Airport (Adelaide)

5 Star Luxury Accommodation – Supported by Accommodation Australia (SA) and the Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch)
Winner – Eos by SkyCity (Adelaide)
Silver – Le Mas Barossa (Barossa)
Bronze – Mount Lofty House (Adelaide Hills)

New Tourism Business – Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Winner – Radelaide Tours (Adelaide)
Silver – Little Blessings Brewing (Flinders Ranges & Outback)
Bronze – Pod[e] (Eyre Peninsula)

Excellence in Food Tourism – Supported by RAA Travel
Winner – Watervale – Ethical Epicurean Experiences (Clare Valley)
Silver – Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market (Adelaide)
Bronze – Anita Robin, The Foodbuilder (Fleurieu Peninsula)

Excellence in Accessible Tourism – Supported by Office for Autism
Winner – Adelaide Fringe (Statewide)
Silver – Adelaide Zoo (Adelaide)
Bronze – Kimbolton Wines (Fleurieu Peninsula)

Outstanding Contribution – Supported by Tourism Industry Council SA
Winner – Elaine Bensted

Young Achiever – Supported by SeaLink
Winner – Taylah Lochert

People’s Choice Tourism Award – Experience & Service – Supported by Uber
Winner – Monarto Safari Park (Murray River, Lakes and Coorong)

People’s Choice Tourism Award – Accommodation – Supported by Uber
Winner – BIG4 West Beach Parks (Adelaide)