Coronavirus: Camping influx amid hopes of SA regional tourism surge
Campers are making the most of their new-found freedom in SA, with a number of sites booked out this weekend, amid hopes of a surge in regional tourism.
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Campers are flocking to national parks to soak up the state’s natural beauty, after the Government lifted its regional travel ban.
And the tourism sector hopes it is a sign of things to come, allowing regional communities to cash in on a wave of new tourists exploring SA now that local travel is being encouraged.
Many campsites were booked out this weekend, with more than 1130 bookings made over just two days.
SA Tourism Association figures show South Australians spent about $3.3 billion on overseas trips last year.
During border shutdowns because of COVID-19, industry groups are hoping to snare a large portion of that cash for local businesses.
Discovery Parks chief executive Grant Wilckens said in the five days to Wednesday, his company had taken bookings for 1000 nights in May at its parks in the Barossa Valley, Clare, Robe and Lake Bonney in the Riverland.
Corporate bookings were also on the rise in places such as Port Augusta, as companies recognised the benefits of self-contained accommodation in an era of social distancing.
“Lake Bonney has been the most popular, I think because people are trying to get up north … and the Riverland is perceived as a warmer destination,” Mr Wilckens said.
“The good thing we see with the borders being closed is that $3.3 billion hopefully will be substituted back into domestic tourism.”
Only about 11 per cent of the $8 billion spent in South Australia last year came from overseas or interstate travellers, so SA’s tourism industry was less vulnerable to border closures than other states.
“Arguably this could be a $9 or $10 billion tourism industry (in South Australia),” said Mr Wilckens, also a board member at the SA Tourism Commission. The tourism sector was also boosted on Friday with the reopening of a string of attractions – Cleland Wildlife Park, Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, the Adelaide Gaol in the city, and Kangaroo Island’s Seal Bay, along with the Naracoorte and Tantanoola caves.
Tourism commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said the organisation was working to promote the “welcome back” message to South Australian tourists.
“It’s about reminding South Australians of what is in their own backyard – and there is a lot of pent-up demand to get out of the house and enjoy some of those things now available to us, including road trips, cycling, camping, nature-based experiences, and outdoor dining,” Mr Harrex said.
“We’ve heard from operators that their phones have been ringing off the hook, with some reporting 100 per cent bookings for the next few weekends.
“That’s such an inspiring response from South Australians, who really do want to support local operators and our small tourism businesses.”
The South Australian visitor economy’s record $8.1 billion visitor expenditure last year gave the state an “outstanding platform” for relaunch, Mr Harrex said.
The commission had supported operators with business advice, mentoring, digital and marketing courses, and through a partnership with Tripadvisor, launched Flexi-Tourism, which provides flexible booking and payment options.
Australian Hotels Association SA general manager Ian Horne said members were hoping for a resurgence in interest over the coming weeks and months, but with restaurants, bars and cellar doors still facing tough restrictions on their operations, the transformation would be a gradual one. “The June long weekend will be a very interesting one to monitor; people will absorb where we are and we’ll be another three weeks down the track in terms of numbers,” Mr Horne said.
“You could even get into the Flinders or Robe if you’ve got three nights up your sleeve.”
However, Mr Horne said rebuilding people’s confidence to spend money on travel would take time – especially as many were without work, had their hours reduced or were concerned about job security.
“I think the real beneficiaries in the short term will be McLaren Vale, the Barossa and Adelaide Hills … for people wanting to get out and stretch their legs.”
Environment Department figures for bookings over Monday and Tuesday show Deep Creek and Newland Head, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, were the most popular parks for campers, followed by Mount Remarkable and Riverland parks including Murray River National Park, and the Loch Luna, Moorook and Chowilla game reserves.
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National Parks and Wildlife Service executive director Mike Williams said a new campaign was inspiring people to “think outside their 4sq m” and visit to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
More rangers are rostered on to provide assistance to visitors, signage is reminding people of social distancing and campers are being encouraged to be as self-sufficient as possible, such as bringing their own cooking and cleaning equipment. The Big 4 Port Elliot Holiday Park was among destinations drawing guests back, including Kaleb James, Freya Lamacraft and their jack russell, Brindi.
“We’ve been counting down the days until restrictions were lifted so we could finally get out and spend a couple of nights away,” said Mr James, of Woodside.
“We love Port Elliot – it’s a beautiful little town and Horseshoe Bay is quite a nice beach and we were hoping to see some whales and do a bit of geocaching as well.”
Business Victor Harbor board member Mark Thwaites said last weekend was the strongest for local traders since COVID-19 restrictions came into force.
“The most pleasing aspect was that when people were asked to stay home at Easter, everyone respectfully stayed away, so now we respectfully ask they come and join us in their throngs,” he said.
“Speaking to one of the holiday house letting real estate agents here, he said the phone’s ringing well, and the caravan park, too.”
Mr Thwaites has swapped a winter trip to Croatia and the Greek Islands for a journey to the Flinders Ranges, and several of his colleagues have been in similar situations, all substituting their holidays further afield for SA-based trips.
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“These are all trips that wouldn’t have happened if the borders were open, so it’s a really positive thing – hopefully lots of South Australians get on board,” he said.
Ginny Bell, of North Haven, who recently retired, had been planning a trip to Europe in August. Instead, she will travel around Australia, including trips to the Flinders Ranges and Yorke Peninsula.
Ms Bell spent time camping at Para Wirra Conservation Park this week.
Bookings for the Kuitpo and Mount Crawford forest campsites open on May 25, after Forestry SA delayed the season due to COVID-19 restrictions.