Photo: Drift houseboat, Renmark
In a remarkable turnaround from the devastating floods last summer, South Australia’s Murray River regions have experienced a significant economic uplift, thanks to the innovative River Revival Voucher program. The program, a strategic initiative of the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), has so far injected an estimated $10.7 million into these areas, aiding in their swift recovery.
The second round of the voucher scheme proved particularly impactful, more than doubling the first round’s economic influence by injecting over $7.6 million into the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong regions. This surge in economic activity is attributed to the 8008 bookings made across various sectors, including accommodation, experiences, houseboat hires, and guided tours.
Recent data from Tourism Research Australia underscores this success. Visitor expenditure in these regions for the year to June 2023 reached a staggering $562 million, surpassing the $436 million recorded prior to the floods in September 2022. This remarkable recovery is a direct result of the State Government’s flood recovery efforts through the SATC.
Looking forward, a third and final round of the River Revival Voucher program is set to provide an additional boost in 2024. Insights from a SATC survey reveal that the $750 houseboat vouchers from the second round alone contributed almost $2.5 million to the regions. These vouchers encouraged trips that might not have occurred otherwise, with 78% of users admitting they had no prior plans for such trips.
Caravan parks have also benefited significantly from the program, with five of the top ten highest voucher bookings. The program’s appeal is evident in its popularity across different voucher categories, including $100 and $200 accommodation vouchers.
The first round of the program had already made a substantial impact by generating an estimated $3.1 million for the river regions. The upcoming third round, opening to South Australian residents and cross-border communities in Victoria and New South Wales, promises to continue this positive trend.
Zoe Bettison, commenting on the program’s success, stated, “We have never taken our eyes off the river, and our focus remains on assisting those tourism operators who missed out on their peak summer trading time… To confirm today that rounds one and two contributed more than $10 million into the impacted regions is testament to the success of the program, and to the enormous support tourism operators right along the river have from fellow South Australians.”
Stephen Edwards, CEO of Edwards Group, which includes Riverbend Caravan Park and Waikerie Holiday Park, echoed this sentiment: “The first two rounds of the River Revival Voucher programs have been a lifesaver for tourism operators in the river regions affected by 2022 floods… The continued support from the South Australian Tourism Commission and the State Government has helped keep operators like us going over this extremely tough time.”
The third round of vouchers will be available from 19 to 20 February, with travel valid from 22 February until 30 June 2024. Interested parties can find full terms and conditions and enter the ballot for a River Revival Voucher at southaustralia.com/voucher. This round will include $100 experience vouchers, $100 and $200 accommodation vouchers, and $750 vouchers for houseboats and guided tours, with specific spending requirements.
The River Revival Voucher program is a crucial component of the State Government’s $4.6 million tourism support package, designed to aid flood-affected communities and includes initiatives like the ‘Rise Up for our River’ marketing campaign and Mid Murray Tourism Recovery Fund.
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