$12.4m generated for Murray River, nature grants open, & more…
Since the once-in-a-century flooding event in the summer of 2022-23, we have been working to support the recovery of businesses and communities across our river communities. So it is wonderful to share that an estimated $12.4 million has been injected into the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong regions through our River Revival Voucher program.
Analysis of the economic impact data showed that for every dollar of investment across the three rounds, more than $5 was returned to the regions – while helping boost awareness of the diverse tourism experiences on offer.
Thank you to all those who were part of these recovery efforts, which has seen tourism spend in our Murray River regions not only recover, but grow.
You may have spotted the wrap of today’s The Advertiser, inspiring locals to ‘Winter. Our Way.’ This is a continuation of our winter-focused domestic marketing campaign, as we work to stimulate travel demand and inspire locals to book a holiday in their own backyard in the traditionally quieter months. Operators are encouraged to leverage the campaign by submitting deals and offers via your ATDW listing. More on how to make the most of ‘Winter. Our Way.’ activity is available here.
I will be presenting a deep dive into the current tourism environment in South Australia, which will be a chance for industry to hear how our sector is performing and the opportunities and challenges we are facing together. Industry will be invited to the online session which will be held in early August; more details will be shared soon.
A reminder that applications are currently open for our Experience Nature Tourism Fund. Grants from $10,000 to $50,000 are available to support new and improved nature-based tourism products and experiences across our state. The funding could go towards equipment for nature or cultural experiences, refurbished off-grid accommodation, and infrastructure such as solar power generation.
International men’s football will return to South Australia for the first time in more than seven years, when the Subway Socceroos take on China in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Adelaide Oval on 10 October. Hosting China will help draw attention from our state’s second largest international tourism market – currently worth close to $145 million to South Australia – and follows the sell-out CommBank Matildas match in May. Acting Premier, the Hon Susan Close, Football Australia CEO James Johnson, and Subway Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold made the announcement at Adelaide Oval last week.
Emma
Chief Executive Officer
South Australian Tourism Commission