Recent figures released by Tourism Research Australia show an increase in visitors to the Barossa during the past year.

According to a spokesperson for the South Australian Tourism Commission, the Barossa received 213,000 overnight visitors during the 12 months to June.

This represents a nine per cent increase on the previous 12-month period.

“There has been strong growth in overnight visitors to the Barossa from interstate,” the tourism commission spokesperson said.

The numbers are a great outcome given the overall economic climate of the past year.

Jaci Thorne, Regional Tourism manager at Tourism Barossa said the Barossa’s reputation as a high-end tourist destination had contributed to the region’s strong tourism figures despite the financial down turn.

“When times are tough people are forced to look inwardly and be as competitive as possible and provide the best service or product possible, especially as consumers are making decisions with shorter lead times,” Jaci said.

“We are lucky that brand Barossa is internationally recognised and that the quality of product here is already a high standard.”

The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics survey of accommodation statistics also indicate tourism in the Barossa is holding up well.

Revenue per-occupied-room rose by 6.8 per cent in the June quarter, compared to the same period last year.

Takings from accommodation in the year ending June 2009 rose by 2.2 per cent over the year ending June 2008.

The caravanning and camping sector is also reported to be performing well with sites occupied in short-term caravan parks rising by 10.2 per cent in the June quarter.