TOURISM BLOG / TOURISM BAROMETER SEPTEMBER 2019
TOURISM BAROMETER SEPTEMBER 2019
Business activity for tourism operators in South Australia has increased according to the TiCSA Tourism Barometer September 2019 quarter.
The barometer survey for the July to September quarter 2019 found that the tourism Business Activity Index rose by 24 per cent to 130 points, which is the second highest activity level since the December quarter of 2017.
Factors contributing to business activity growth included the Lake Eyre flooding and Uluru closure, better seasonal shark sightings, events and marketing activities.
Visitor information centres servicing more visitors, improved industry relationships and business capabilities were also cited as key drivers.
Negative influences for businesses included economic and policy issues, such as the current state of the economy, lack of job availability, reduced government funding and land tax.
The Business Outlook Index for the next three months resulted in a stronger business sentiment of 129 points compared to 116 for the June 2019 quarter. That said, outlook for the next 12 months deteriorated with the business sentiment now at its lowest since 2012.
Factors suppressing business sentiment ranged from economic, political, local and weather events including uncertainty in world finances, snapper ban, climate change and drought.
On the flip side, there were several factors helping to maintain positive business confidence including repeat business, new unique experiences and developments, cruise ships and new hotels coming online.
Despite the downturn in sentiment regarding the longer-term, employment levels in the accommodation and food services sector improved considerably over the past year, according to the Labour Force Survey.
60,600 people were employed in the sector on average in the year to the August quarter 2019, which represents an increase of 5.2 per cent or approximately 3,000 persons when compared to the corresponding period a year earlier.
Likewise, both full-time and part-time employment within the South Australian accommodation and food services sector reported a significant rise.