Accor has welcomed the South Australian State Government's decision to boost events tourism to the state following the announcement of a $2 million "bid fund" for the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Announced on the 11th floor of the under-construction Ibis Adelaide Hotel, South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill and Tourism Minister Leon Bignell launched the fund which will be used to finance the Convention Centre's pitches for major events over the next two years.

Regional General Manager for Accor Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, Adrian Williams, said "This is a great first step for Adelaide and the expanding convention centre. We applaud the South Australian State Government on this move."

"The success of the Adelaide tourism market relies on having a state-of-the-art convention centre that has state government support. We only have to look at Melbourne to see how major events have transformed its economy and tourism industry so the bid fund will stand South Australia in good stead to reap these same benefits in the years to come."

"Events growth and increased demand on services driven by the expansion of the Convention Centre and the State Government's $2 million injection will no doubt bring about employment opportunities which will pay instant dividends to the visitor economy throughout the State."

"Accor's expansion in Adelaide's hotel inventory further illustrates faith in the State's ability to win major events and conferences. With 311 guest rooms, Ibis Adelaide will be the largest Ibis Hotel in Australia and come mid 2014, it will be poised to accommodate the influx of event and conference delegates."

Accor reports that after a flat start to 2013 there is confidence returning particularly with a growth in accommodation rates. Accor's Adelaide occupancy also continues to perform well at a year to date 78.3%.


MEDIA CONTACT:
Sally McCann
sally.mccann@accor.com
+61 2 9280 9860