They were a much-welcomed gift to both business owners and customers during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and now, the Great State Voucher could see a resurgence – especially if the National Retail Association (NRA) has anything to do with it.
As this new wave of Covid sweeps across the state, South Australian businesses are once again feeling the impacts of the pandemic with staff shortages and dwindling customer numbers. Couple that with rising interest rates and the increased cost of living and owning a business, it’s no surprise they are keen on the reintroduction of the vouchers to encourage consumers to get out and about again.
Chief Executive Dominique Lamb said the return of the scheme would be of enormous benefit to both retailers and consumers.
“The latest wave of COVID-19 left a lot of small businesses in a tough spot given that they were just getting back on their feet from the two years of uncertainty the pandemic had already created.
“Small businesses and consumers are having to face more than just the effects of the pandemic. They are currently having to endure rising inflation, rising interest rates, labour shortages and so on”.
The NRA isn’t alone in its thinking with the thoughts around the revival of the scheme echoed by South Australia’s Opposition leaders.
Following consultation with the tourism and hospitality sector, the Opposition is calling for:
- $100 vouchers for accommodation in CBD and North Adelaide.
- $50 vouchers for accommodation across suburban and regional SA.
- $30 meal vouchers (jointly funded by State Government and Adelaide City Council).
The Great State Vouchers scheme generated $147 million in economic activity for the state. On average, bookings in the CBD equate to expenditure worth $561 while regional stays inject $602 into the local economy.
Acting Leader of the Opposition John Gardner said State Government investment in another round of vouchers was needed to “kickstart South Australia” ahead of spring and summer.
“The latest COVID-19 wave has hurt business and tourism across the state and that’s why we need another round of vouchers as a helping hand,” he said.
“These vouchers will act as a springboard for the tourism and hospitality sectors, really setting them up for the busiest months of the year when hopefully the worst impacts of COVID-19 will be behind us.
“The vouchers have been proven to efficiently inject millions into our state’s economy and help sustain and create local jobs. This should be a critical priority for the State Government as we move past the pandemic.
“They also provide families who are feeling the pinch of the current cost of living crisis a chance to enjoy a night out at a reduced cost to the hip pocket.”
Shadow Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Jing Lee, said new vouchers would boost tourism businesses and create more jobs.
“With increased overheads and inflation driving up food prices – struggling cafes and restaurants run by small and family businesses are looking for extra customers to stay viable and keep their doors open,” she said.
“And right now we want to be encouraging South Australians the best we can to stay here and explore their own backyard.
“With international travel back on the cards now is the time to pull out all the stops to keep South Australians in South Australia to pump up our economy.
“We know the warmer months are traditionally linked to peak period for our tourism operators and a new round of vouchers will give travellers another incentive to visit our stunning regions and CBD.”
For more information, visit the National Retail Association website.
More News
