Algal bloom and flooding weigh on the SA Tourism Industry
Unforeseen weather and environmental events led to solid declines in the TiCSA Barometer for the June quarter 2025, reversing a trend of improving conditions.
Various environmental and weather events significantly hampered tourism activity in theJune quarter. SA’s coastline has been impacted by an algal bloom, leading to dead marine life and health warnings for visitors, which has disrupted key tourism regions. Additionally, the major flooding that occurred in Innamincka and along Cooper Creek in April led to the
closure of numerous natural attractions, impacting tourism operators that rely heavily on seasonal visitors. The Barometer survey showed an estimated 15-20% of respondents had experienced a significant impact from recent flooding events and algae bloom.
While these events were key drivers of the fall in the Business Activity and Outlook indices in the June quarter, many survey respondents also continued to point to economic uncertainty, cost of living pressures and rising operating costs as hampering tourism activity.
For further insight into the 2025 April – June Quarter, read the full Tourism Barometer report below.