Image: Tourism SA
The second round of the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher initiative has officially launched today, giving South Australians another exciting reason to get out and discover the state’s coastal gems while supporting local tourism operators through a crucial summer period.
With 30,000 vouchers up for grabs, valued between $100 and $500, residents over 18 can now enter a ballot for the chance to redeem them at more than 270 participating coastal businesses from 5 December through to the end of the Easter school holidays.
The voucher program is funded as part of the State and Federal Governments’ Algal Bloom Summer Plan and is designed to revitalise coastal communities affected throughout the year. The first voucher round has already proven its value, injecting around $6.4 million into local economies according to newly released data from program administrators.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the scheme continues to demonstrate its strong return for regional operators, noting, “Once again, we have seen the real impact of our voucher programs – with more than $6.4 million already injected into local economies along our coast and into the pockets of coastal tourism businesses doing it tough.” She added that the momentum behind the initiative is playing a key role in helping operators navigate what has been a challenging period for the sector.
This second round has been expanded to offer more vouchers over a longer period, giving locals additional opportunities to book getaways and experiences during the peak months.
“The second round of our Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program is particularly important to not only support our tourism industry financially over the crucial summer period, but also to get people talking about how great a visit to our coast is,” Bettison said.
For regional operators, the benefits have been immediate. Matthew Hurley from Second Valley Cottages and Lodge said the vouchers made an enormous difference at a time when bookings had plummeted.
“Our occupancy leading into October was bleak at best. When the vouchers started, we were 90% down on last year. Within a week we were comfortable and within two we were almost equal,” he said.
Survey results from round one show the vouchers are driving meaningful economic activity. On average, every $1 of voucher value spent generated $4.50 for the local economy. Importantly, 85% of participants said they would not have visited the coastal region without the incentive, and 73% said they were not planning to undertake the experience or book the accommodation unless they received the voucher.
Alongside the travel voucher ballot, the Summer Plan has also launched a Dining Cashback scheme, offering up to 60,000 rebates from today. South Australians can receive up to 50% off, capped at $50, at eligible coastal hospitality venues and seafood retailers. The combined initiatives are designed to stimulate visitation, encourage spending and support operators rebuilding through the busy season.
South Australians keen to apply for the vouchers or Dining Cashback can find eligibility details and full terms online.
For Coast is Calling Travel Voucher Round 2 entry details and full terms and conditions, go to southaustralia.com/voucher. Licence No: T25/1889.
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