The latest International Visitor Survey released by the Bureau of Tourism Research indicates South Australia has reached another all time high in overseas visitor numbers and nights.

Tourism Minister Joan Hall has revealed results which show a 13 per cent rise in visitor numbers and a 16 per cent rise in visitor nights in the 12 months to September 1999.

"In the twelve months to September 1999, a record number of international visitors - 321,600 - stayed in South Australia for a combined 4.659 million visitor nights," Ms Hall says.

"Our growth in visitor numbers is double the national average, with South Australia's visitor numbers growing at 10 per cent compared to 5 per cent nationally over the same 12 month period. "This is the second highest growth among all States and Territories.

"In fact, over the last two to three years we have increased our share of the national market from a low of 6.7 per cent to 8 per cent in this latest survey."

Ms Hall says this growth is all the more impressive given South Australia is one of the 'non-icon' States - this is, one which doesn't boast an icon like the Sydney Harbour, Ayres Rock or the Great Barrier Reef.

These figures clearly demonstrate the success of SATC's innovative marketing campaigns, along with the global shift towards more experience-oriented destinations such as South Australia. SA has been one of the most effective States to capitalise on the rebounding of the UK market, and now boasts nearly 80,000 visitors from the UK alone. Europe continues to generate around 100,000 visitors, while North America has recorded recent rises to attract approximately 50,000 visitors.

"South Australia's tourism strategies of targeted, high quality international marketing and a major events focus are bringing truly amazing results," Ms Hall says.