South Australia’s coastal regions are hopefully set to experience an uptick in domestic tourism through a newly launched travel voucher scheme. The initiative, titled ‘The Coast is Calling’, was announced by Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison. It aims at revitalising areas affected by the recent algal blooms by distributing 20,000 vouchers for accommodation and experiences.
This strategic move by the South Australian Tourism Commission, starting from 24 September, aligns with the spring school holidays, providing families a timely incentive to explore coastal towns for over two months.
Operations are underway to engage eligible tourism businesses through an Expressions of Interest process starting 26 August and closing on 29 August. A public ballot for the vouchers will open on 19 September and close on 22 September.
Eligible South Australians over 18 can participate in the ballot for vouchers worth $100, $200, and $500. These vouchers are specific: $100 vouchers can be used for individual experiences or a one-night stay, $200 for a two-night stay, and $500 for a stay extending to five nights.
Premier Malinauskas stressed the importance of community support towards the coastal regions, affected by the algal blooms, which have put significant strain on local marine life and subsequently the industries dependent on them such as fishing and tourism.
“We want to make sure these vouchers are targeted to the regions that have been hit hardest by the algal bloom – spanning from the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, down to Kingston SE – as well as Kangaroo Island,” said Malinauskas.
Malinauskas also elaborated on the intention behind the scheme, identifying it as a call to action for residents to support regional communities while enjoying local attractions and accommodations.
Minister Bettison reflected on the past success of similar vouchers, which were beneficial to tourism regions affected by natural disasters, such as the Murray River floods. “This benefits not only accommodation and experience operators but also other businesses in the local community,” Bettison added.
The voucher initiative is part of a broader $28 million support package dedicated to managing the impacts of the algal bloom, which includes research, cleanup, community and industry support, alongside public information efforts.
South Australian Tourism Commission CEO Emma Terry urged all eligible businesses to engage with the program. “The voucher program will work in tandem with our marketing activity promoting our beautiful coastal experiences and accommodation destinations to locals, reminding them of what they have on offer in their own backyard,” she stated.
More voucher program information for operators is available at tourism.sa.gov.au.
For full terms and conditions, go to www.southaustralia.com/voucher. Licence No: T25/1530.
For further information on the algal bloom, go to algalbloom.sa.gov.au
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