The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia has welcomed the South Australian Government's new tourism plan, saying it will attract greater private sector investment and create jobs in region.

"Industry welcomes the South Australian Government's commitment to addressing not just tourism marketing, but also the vital priority of developing new tourism experiences," said TTF executive director Olivia Wirth. "South Australia's tourism marketing campaigns must be based on a world-class product, and the Tourism Plan correctly seeks to achieve that balance.

"If the plan is fully funded and implemented, it will lead to greater private sector investment in the tourist accommodation, attractions and experiences needed to give the state a competitive edge in Australia and internationally." The plans are mainly focused on the state capital, Adelaide.

"While regional destinations are vital to South Australia's tourism mix - and particularly its world-class food and wine experiences - Adelaide is the state's tourism flagship," said Wirth. "It is both an attraction in its own right and the access point for regional destinations, and should be nurtured as a destination for leisure, business, major events and education tourism." She added that a key test of the new tourism plan's effectiveness will be whether funding is delivered for the refurbishment of Adelaide Convention Centre.

"If South Australia is to compete effectively for Australian and international conventions, the Government must commit to the refurbishment of Adelaide Convention Centre," she said. "This commitment would, in turn, generate private sector investment in tourism infrastructure in and around Adelaide."

Photograph: Arabunna Cultural Tours, Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Copyright SATC/Adam Bruzzone