A Message from the Visitor Economy Team

Hi everyone,

It’s a landmark moment for South Australia’s visitor economy! Huge congratulations to the 30 city venues recognised in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide South Australia!

Among the city’s standout recipients are MICHELIN One-Star restaurants Restaurant Botanic and Aurora at ILA, alongside neighbouring venues arkhé (Norwood) and Esmay (Hackney). A special congratulations to Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant on being awarded Two MICHELIN Stars! We also celebrate city award winners Shakaan Abillion (Shōbōsho) and Melissa Pisanelli (Allegra Dining Room), recipients of MICHELIN Special Awards, alongside our local Bib Gourmand honourees and regional champions.

Looking ahead, best wishes to all Adelaide finalists in the upcoming South Australian Tourism Awards. Your commitment to excellence continues to raise the bar across our city, and we look forward to celebrating your achievements in November!

Meanwhile, cruise season is officially underway, with the first vessel arriving at Outer Harbor this week. We’re working with SATC and cruise partners to connect passengers with the many experiences on offer in Adelaide’s CBD.

As we build on this exciting momentum, be sure to register for our upcoming Visitor Economy Forum and explore the other events featured below. We look forward to seeing you there!

Best regards,
Gemma Nelson
AEDA Visitor Economy Team

Just Announced: New Speakers for AEDA’s Visitor Economy Industry Forum

Join AEDA’s Visitor Economy Industry Forum to explore the latest tourism trends, visitor data, investment opportunities and initiatives shaping Adelaide’s visitor experience.

Hear from industry leaders, including:

• Thomas Zinn – General Manager, Treehouse Hotel Adelaide

• Malakai Yeomans – General Manager, Little National Adelaide

• Adam Stanford – Senior Manager, Strategy & Insights at the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC)

Connect with industry peers, gain fresh insights and discover opportunities to support Adelaide’s growing visitor economy.

4 November 2026 | Stamford Plaza Adelaide | 3:00–5:00 pm

MICHELIN Guide Puts SA in the Spotlight!

The MICHELIN Guide is shining an international spotlight on South Australia’s food and wine offering. Discover three ways to get involved to promote and enhance your business:

29 October | Statewide online workshop

16 November | Adelaide City workshop

Ongoing | Share your local food and wine recommendations through SATC’s campaign.

Unlock More Opportunities with WeChat Pay

Discover how accepting WeChat Pay can help your business connect with Chinese visitors and enhance their spending experience.

Join SATC’s free industry webinar on 5 November 2026 to explore new opportunities.

Learn how WeChat Pay works, understand Chinese travellers’ payment preferences and explore practical steps to make paying easier for your customers.

AEDA Leaders Forum 2026: Shaping Adelaide’s Next Decade

The next decade will be shaped by how well we prepare for what comes next.

Join international foresight expert Dexter Docherty and Professor Ariella Helfgott, Director of SA Futures Agency and Professor of Foresight at Adelaide University, to explore the forces reshaping Adelaide and what different futures mean for the decisions leaders make today.

Challenge conventional thinking, broaden your perspective and gain insights to help navigate change and shape Adelaide’s future.

Thursday 12 November 2026 | Adelaide Festival Centre

Promote SA at the 2027 Caravan & Camping Show!

South Australian tourism operators can reach around 25,000 road trip-ready consumers at the Caravan, Camping & Outdoor Show, 24–28 February 2027.

Take advantage of discounted exhibitor rates to showcase your region and attract future visitors.

Applications close 30 October 2026.

City of Adelaide Community Grants – Applications Open

The City of Adelaide’s 2026/27 Community Grants Program supports community-led projects that bring people together and strengthen connections across the city and North Adelaide.

Funding of $5,000 to $20,000 is available through the Major Grants round.

Applications close 23 October 2026.

Beyond the Attractions

What makes visitors enjoy Adelaide beyond the places they came to see?

Our latest visitor insights explore the city’s relaxed atmosphere, welcoming character and ease of getting around, revealing what visitors value about Adelaide and what these perceptions mean for businesses across the visitor economy.

Cruise Ship Arrivals and Upcoming Events & Festivals

• AGSA Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition (1 July – 8 November 2026)

• OzAsia Festival (9 October – 1 November 2026) 

• Adelaide Film Festival (14 – 25 October 2026)

• CheeseFest (17 – 18 October 2026)

• Shannons Adelaide Rally (18 October 2026)

• Gunson Street Party (30 October 2026) 

• Multicultural Festival (1 November 2026)

• Feast Festival (1 – 22 November 2026)

• Cruise Ship – Celebrity Solstice (5 November 2026)

• Pride March Adelaide (7 November 2026)

• Poppin Out (7 November 2026)

• Robbie Williams BRITPOP World Tour (7 November 2026)

T 08 8203 7001
E tourism@aedasa.com.au
aedasa.com.au