SOUTH Australia’s tourism industry was expected to be boosted by a $107 million over the Christmas break as people flock to local holiday hot spots.

The latest South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) statistics estimated that for the eight days from Christmas to New Year’s Day at least $107 million would be injected into the state’s economy.

Acting Premier Vickie Chapman says this is great news for local tourism operators, accommodation providers, and regional areas.

“This Christmas is like no other, but for our tourism industry at least, it’s for the right reasons,” Ms Chapman said.

“I am overjoyed to see South Australians spending time with their family and spending money in our great state.”

This comes off the back of a bumper September tourism boom, when South Australia enjoyed its highest domestic visitor spend since going into lockdown in March.

SATC figures show businesses pocketed $230 million in domestic overnight expenditure, with more South Australians holidaying at home, and an increasing number of interstate visitors coming to enjoy what the state has to offer as border controls eased.

SATC Chief Executive Rodney Harrex said regional tourism operators are reporting strong forward bookings for the summer holiday period and are looking forward to that momentum continuing well into 2021.