Photo: Pipi Middleton’s seaside glamping eco-tents
South Australian coastal tourism businesses are being urged to get involved in the second round of the highly successful Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program, with expressions of interest now open.
Following the strong results from the first round, which generated more than $4 million in booking value and saw over 8,900 vouchers redeemed, the initiative is being expanded to give even more travellers the chance to experience South Australia’s stunning coastlines.
The first phase of the Coast is Calling campaign, part of the State and Federal Governments’ Algal Bloom Summer Plan, has already helped boost visitation to coastal regions affected by algal blooms. The program not only stimulated bookings but also helped restore confidence among travellers that South Australia’s beaches, parks, and coastal towns remain safe and inviting.
Round 2 will build on that success, increasing the total number of vouchers from 20,000 to 30,000 and offering a wider travel window, from 5 December 2025 through to 26 April 2026, covering the busy summer and Easter holiday periods.
For tourism operators, the opportunity is significant. Round 2 will now extend eligibility to holiday rentals registered on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) with a valid ABN, alongside additional experiences such as guided sporting, leisure, and entertainment activities. The inclusion of these categories reflects the program’s broader push to capture the diversity of South Australia’s coastal offerings.
Expressions of interest for eligible coastal accommodation and experience providers are open until 4pm ACDT, Friday 7 November 2025 via tourism.sa.gov.au.
Voucher options available in Round 2 include:
$100 experience vouchers (excluding dining)
$100 accommodation vouchers (minimum one-night stay)
$200 accommodation vouchers (minimum two-night stay)
$500 accommodation vouchers (minimum five-night stay)
Key public dates for Round 2 are as follows:
EOIs: 27 October – 7 November 2025
Public ballot: 1 – 3 December 2025
Ballot draw: 4 December 2025
Booking period: 4 December 2025 – 19 January 2025
Travel period: 5 December 2025 – 26 April 2026
Unclaimed vouchers will be reallocated through a redraw on 22 January 2026, providing entrants another chance to secure a voucher for travel through to April.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the expanded round would continue to deliver strong results for local businesses and communities.
“We’re already seeing the benefits of the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program for South Australia’s tourism businesses and coastal communities affected by the algal bloom, and now they will extend into the crucial summer period,” she said.
“Not only do these vouchers drive visitation and spend, but they spread the message that our coastal destinations are still wonderful and safe places to enjoy this summer. With $4 million generated in Round 1 in booking value alone, I encourage eligible tourism businesses to submit their expression of interest by next Friday, 7 November.”
Stephen Edwards, CEO of Edwards Group and Vice-President of SA Parks, said the initiative had delivered tangible results for his business.
“The Coast is Calling Travel Voucher Program has delivered a real boost when our parks needed it most, generating more than 280 bookings and over 820 extra nights across our impacted properties,” he said.
“Guests are seeing first-hand that our parks are open and unaffected, giving them confidence to book and helping the whole caravan park sector build strong momentum into summer.”
Businesses can find full details and submit their applications at tourism.sa.gov.au, while the public can register for the voucher ballot at southaustralia.com/voucher.
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