At its Annual General Meeting held on September 24^th, the Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority (ACTA) announced its most successful trading period in the company’s 35-year history.

In his address, Chairman Glenn Cooper said, “ACTA had taken its performance to new levels, and cemented its position as a key business generator for South Australia.”

The meeting, conducted at Sfera’s Park Suites & Convention Centre, reported that 44 new events with an estimated economic impact of $95.5 million were won during 2006/2007.

Commenting on the success, ACTA CEO Martin Winter said, “these conferences anticipate bringing more than 27,200 delegates to South Australia, which will directly benefit hotels, restaurants, retail and a myriad of other businesses.” “This is a 36% improvement on last year and takes the value of forward business on ACTA’s books won but yet to be held to $229.4 million”, he added.

ACTA, the private, not-for-profit company responsible for promoting South Australia in the meetings industry, operates globally to bring international and interstate business travellers to the state. It is a primary catalyst for the state’s development, introducing the world’s best practitioners to key sectors of business including mining, defence, manufacturing and education.

Winter said, “ACTA’s success during the year highlights Adelaide’s exceptional suitability as a meetings destination and confirms its recent jump in international conference rankings.” For 2006, Adelaide was ranked 3^rd in Oceania and 56^th globally - up 47 places from 2005, the fastest mover of any international city.

However, Cooper warned that this outstanding economic result should not be assumed. “I need to reiterate that without the funds to match its competitors, the current level of performance will not be sustainable,” he said. “Around Australia and in every other country, destinations are opening up with new high-tech convention centres. Each has huge marketing resources, and unless these are matched in South Australia, it is inevitable that our market share will be eroded and our great industry will decline.”