$20 million to support regional tourism development

A $20 million boost for South Australia’s tourism industry will encourage private investment in demand-driving regional tourism infrastructure, create jobs and aid COVID recovery.

Grants from $20,000 to $500,000 are available for new and improved regional accommodation, and quality tourism product and experiences that attract more visitors and a higher return.  

Premier Steven Marshall today announced the multi-million-dollar Tourism Industry Development Fund, run over two years, to assist regional tourism businesses to recover quicker and stronger and get more South Australians into work. It is part of a suite of support packages aimed at the tourism sector, which has been significantly impacted by bushfires and COVID-19.

“There’s no doubt the tourism industry is one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s also one of the most innovative and creative,” he said. 

“We want to ensure that regional tourism businesses are supported to improve and diversify their offering so they can remain sustainable, increase visitor demand, and have visitors linger for longer.

“Regional tourism is playing a major role in rebuilding our state’s visitor economy and creating local jobs. We already know 43 cents in every tourism dollar is spent in our regions and early indications show this Fund will create around 1,400 ongoing direct tourism jobs.

“One of the key strategic priorities identified across all regions for growing the visitor economy in our state, is improved accommodation, product and experiences. That’s exactly what the Marshall Government is doing, while getting shovels in the ground faster and more South Australians back into jobs.”

Applications to the Tourism Industry Development Fund are limited to private sector businesses. Projects must commence within three months from time of a successful application. 

Grants range from $20,000 to $500,000 with a maximum of 30 per cent State Government funding committed to the total project value.

Examples could include new accommodation or refurbishments to existing properties, the development or enhancement of tourism experiences, including innovative transport options, or infrastructure to enhance visitor engagement including a new cellar door experience or an interactive display.

The funding program opens 9am on 14 September 2020 and runs until 31 March 2022 or until all funds have been allocated. 

Applications will be assessed by a panel including representatives from the South Australian Tourism Commission and the South Australian Financing Authority.

More details: tourism.sa.gov.au/support/tourism-industry-development-fund.