Vouchers pump $10.7 million into river regions as recovery continues
A great outcome was announced yesterday, as it was revealed our River Revival Voucher program has so far pumped $10.7 million into South Australia’s Murray River regions.
Round two more than doubled the impact of the first round, generating more than $7.6 million in economic impact for the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong regions. A total of 8,008 bookings were made in round two across accommodation, experience, houseboat and guided tour providers.
Once again, we saw this initiative not only drive much needed dollars into the regions but attract visitors who would not have made the trip otherwise.
A South Australian Tourism Commission survey of people who redeemed a voucher in the second round showed that the $750 houseboat voucher alone injected almost $2.5 million into the regions, with an average spend of $2,300 per trip excluding the value of the voucher.
The houseboat voucher was particularly successful in encouraging visitors to regions for the first time and brought larger numbers into the regions per booking, with the voucher type bringing in parties of five or more.
Details of the third and final round have also been confirmed, which will see the program support the regions beyond the traditional summer peak tourism period.
The round three ballot will again be open to residents in South Australia, and cross border communities in Victoria and New South Wales, with the ballot open 19-20 February – for travel from 22 February until 30 June 2024.
An Expressions of Interest will open to providers of experiences, accommodation, houseboats and guided tours in the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong regions in early 2024.
The voucher program is part of the $4.6 million tourism support package for flood-affected communities.
Emma Terry
Chief Executive Officer
South Australian Tourism Commission