New data has shown that this year's Superloop Adelaide 500 made its largest tourist contribution to the city on record.
Research conducted by independent economic research experts, Economic Research Consultants, found that the 2019 event resulted in 90,001 visitor nights, up from 81,052 in 2018.
The economic contribution of $45.9 million was up from $41.94 million in 2018 and created 435 full-time equivalent jobs.
Acting Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Tim Whetstone, welcomed the record results of this year’s Superloop Adelaide 500.
“We know this event is a significant economic driver for South Australia, attracting more than 250,000 visitors each year, 15,000 from interstate, who provide enormous flow-on benefit for the city’s hotels, bars, restaurants and local retailers," he said.
“Regional tourism operators also experience an uplift as visitors stay longer and experience all the wonders our state has to offer.
“Since its inception, the race has injected more than $600 million into our state’s economy and created hundreds of jobs. The race is getting bigger and better each year, and we look forward to putting on another impressive event in 2020,” said Minister Whetstone.
The 2019 event - which featured the much-anticipated racing return of the Ford Mustang – attracted 254,000 fans, with a sell-out crowd attending Sunday’s final race and after race concert headlined by American rock legends, Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Superloop Adelaide 500 General Manager Alistair MacDonald said the team is proud of its contribution to the State.
“This year, we hosted the new ‘Tracks of the World’ precinct, which was a hit with both motorsport fans and families alike and showcased approximately $35 million worth of sports cars from around the world,” said MacDonald.
“In addition, the 2019 event also brought the Moto X Step-Up competition to Australia for the first time, with seven-time X Games gold medallist Jarryd McNeil competing, and hosted a number of big name concert acts in the newly-located concert precinct area.
“The Superloop Adelaide 500 is a world-class event and we have worked hard to improve the event experience for spectators in recent years, and the latest findings only support our hard work.”
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