Adelaide, along with Manchester in the UK and Hyderabad in India were selected as emerging destinations in its latest Amex Trendex: Business Travel Edition, released last week.
Adelaide’s innovation precincts, business events sector, increasing air connectivity and luxury hotel developments were identified as reasons for its rise as a business travel destination.
“We are pleased that Adelaide is being recognised globally as a world-class business events destination,” said Business Events Adelaide’s CEO, Damien Kitto.
“Our reputation as a clean, green, boutique city is well established, but it’s great to see growing recognition of our expertise in industry sectors of increasing global importance. Adelaide offers a unique setting without the cost and complexity of larger cities.
“For event organisers weighing up costs, Adelaide consistently comes out ahead – from venue hire to accommodation and delegate spend, it stretches budgets further without compromising on quality. That affordability, combined with our accessibility and infrastructure is why we’re increasingly the smarter choice for business events.”
South Australia’s tourism minister, Emily Bourke, also weighed in on Adelaide being named as an emerging business travel destination.
“Having Adelaide emerge as one of the world’s fastest growing business travel destinations is testament to our future-focused plan for South Australia,” said Bourke.
“When people travel to Adelaide for business, the flow-on benefits for local businesses and the state’s economy are far reaching, from accommodation and hospitality bookings to local transport companies and tourism operators.
“The research confirms what we already know – investing in areas like major events and AI innovation is investing in South Australia’s growth, strengthening our standing as a rewarding place to visit, live, and do business.”
Interestingly, the Amex report also identified major events as a key location for corporate relationship building. A survey of 1,500 business US travel decision-makers and business travellers, 85 per cent said bringing clients to major events trumped other traditional relationship building activities like dining.
