TASTING AUSTRALIA DELIGHTS ITS LARGEST AUDIENCE YET

All 12 of South Australia’s tourism regions welcomed an influx of foodies and festivalgoers thanks to Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel.

More than 150 events delivered a deliciously diverse program of eating and drinking experiences, with over 260 local businesses supported. The 2024 festival showcased some of the best of the state’s produce, people, and places to visitors from all over.

More than 77,000 people – an all-time high – flocked to Town Square in Adelaide’s Victoria Square/Tartanyangga over the 10-day festival.

The new Tasting Australia by Train event from Melbourne to Adelaide was among highlights from the past 10 days, together with Tasting Australia Airlines journeys to the Eyre Peninsula and Limestone Coast and a refreshed Town Square featuring four new Dining Galleries, 15 food vendors and four bars.

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said people, place and produce were again in the spotlight.

“This is an outstanding result for an event that has been evolving since it began in 1997. The real credit goes to all the hard-working vendors and businesses that worked tirelessly for months to bring to the forefront the best SA has to offer,” said Minister Bettison.

“The success of this festival also highlights the strength of audience appetite for authentic eating and drinking experiences in South Australia and drives year-round demand for all our state offers. South Australia’s blockbuster events calendar continues to set the bar, helping both strengthen our reputation as a must-see destination and make an important contribution to our state’s visitor economy.”

Festival Director Karena Armstrong said the attendance milestone was exciting for everyone involved.
“Tasting Australia celebrates this moment in our nation’s food culture – one shaped by chefs, producers and beverage stars from near and far,” Ms Armstrong said.

“Together with the team I’m so proud of the uniquely South Australian stories we continue to tell.”

General Manager RAA Travel and Distribution Gina Norman welcomed the festival’s latest success.
“Tasting Australia keeps getting bigger and better. This year’s record attendance is a testament to the talented team that pull together the festival together, and also South Australia’s world class food, wine and beverages that were on offer,” said Ms Norman.

Tens of thousands of people poured through the gates at the Town Square and it was great to welcome a lot of them at the RAA Travel Lounge.”

Tasting Australia began in 1997 and is among the nation’s longest-running eating and drinking festivals. Its 18th edition will be held in autumn 2025.