Illuminate Adelaide: $54.3 Million Winter Glow Succes

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Illuminate Adelaide 2023 has brought a brilliant show of art, light, music, and technology to the South Australian winter, generating a $54.3 million economic effect. Its status as a significant winter attraction was cemented when the third annual event not only broke records for economic activity but also drew in over 1.3 million attendees.

Over 15,000 guests from out of state and abroad attended the month-long festival, which resulted in almost 66,000 attendees, nearly 34,000 visitor nights, and over 4,000 job possibilities. Professor Barry Burgan of Bond University developed the economic impact report, which emphasizes how well Illuminate Adelaide has driven employment and tourism.

Rachael Azzopardi, co-founder of Illuminate Adelaide, received an invitation to the esteemed Fête des Lumières in Lyon, where she made connections with imaginative individuals from throughout the globe. Michael Harvey, CEO of Adelaide Botanic Gardens, presented Illuminate Adelaide’s achievements at the International Garden Tourism Conference in Canada.

Held in Mannum, a town devastated by flooding, the event’s regional project, River Lights, drew over 20,000 visitors and helped the area’s tourism industry recover. Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission and the State Government, Illuminate Adelaide has garnered international recognition as a premier example of winter celebrations.

Zoe Bettison, the Minister of Tourism, expressed her excitement about Illuminate Adelaide’s continuous expansion and significant economic impact on the state. Co-founders Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi are excited to introduce the 2024 program and thank the state government for its continued support.

Success for Illuminate Adelaide is not just quantified in money but also in the happiness it makes people feel, regardless of their background. The impact of the event on South Australia is exciting, and excitement is already developing for the 2024 program. The city’s streets are still lit up by Illuminate Adelaide, which makes for a magical experience for all visitors, regardless of origin.

« Back to Page