THE Barossa has contributed to a record high tourism expenditure in South Australia, of $7.8 billion, over the past year.

New data released for the year ending September, 2019, shows there has been a steady rise to visitor numbers and their expenditure in the Barossa, over a five year period.

Domestic and international overnight visits have grown 26 per cent to 255,000, while domestic and international nights have grown 24 per cent to 704,000.

Total domestic and international expenditure is up 47 per cent to reach $233 million.

Tourism Barossa Regional Tourism manager Cathy Wills said the growth in visitation is encouraging a great opportunity still exists to position the Barossa as one of Australia’s premier regional destinations.

“The Barossa has seen excellent investment in the development of new tourism attractions and products, offering a compelling visitor experience, and there is great opportunity for growth in both national and international visitation,” she said.

According to the latest international and domestic visitor survey summaries, domestic and international overnight traveller spend to SA was at $5 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said it is a fantastic result for the state and a huge credit to hard-working tourism operators.

“The strong regional results to date are a great sign as we start the year, and head into many of the festivals and events being held across SA,” he said.

“Our tourism sector is incredibly strong, and now more than ever we need to get behind small business and our tourism operators to help rebuild the communities, particularly in the Adelaide Hills and on Kangaroo Island as they recover from the recent bushfires.”

Nationally, 115.7 million visitors spent a record $79.1 billion.