Welcome Back: Travel in SA to inject $2.1 billion back into state
Travellers are being urged to swap plans for trips to the Mississippi for trips to Murray, as tourism groups redouble their efforts to promote South Australia to South Australians.
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South Australia’s answer to some of the world’s bucketlist destinations have been named as part of a new tourism campaign to get more holiday-makers back out into the regions.
As the ‘Welcome Back’ campaign launches today, the SA Tourism Commission has put together a list of local versions of international destinations like Napa Valley, Croatia and Montepuciano.
The nine holiday spots include SA foodie getaways, hiking, fishing and camping adventures and nature escapes to rival the best in the world.
Premier Steven Marshall and SATC boss Rodney Harrex are urging South Australians to explore their own backyard to help inject up to $2.1 billion back into the local economy.
The massive financial boost is the potential “net import” opportunity up for grabs while borders remain closed.
It’s the difference between what South Australians would usually spend overseas and interstate, and what foreign and interstate visitors would normally spend in SA.
“Now more than ever we need to embrace these communities and encourage South Australians to visit and spend money at the local bakeries, local service stations and cafes,” Mr Marshall said.
“Visiting our regions, booking accommodation and eating at the local shops and restaurants will create jobs, it will keep people employed and it will grow the economy.”
Three in ten South Australians were planning a local trip in the next two months and three in five planned one for within six months, Mr Harrex said.
“For many, it’s an education piece – I’ve talked to South Australians who have never been to Kangaroo Island, to Wilpena Pound, who have never done the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb, nor been to Monarto Safari Park, and many who aren’t aware of all the fantastic luxury tourism experiences that have come online over the years,” he said.
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“There is huge opportunity for South Australians seeing South Australia, and we certainly know that operators across the state are ready and willing to welcome people back.”
Travel trends will change after coronavirus, with a sense of safety and security set to drive tourists choices, UniSA professor Marianna Sigala says.
“Post lockdown, we’re likely to see a revival of the driving holiday, the family road trip [with] the car packed to the brim with kids and bags, as well as caravans, motorhomes, and even cycling tourism may experience a new surge,” she said.
“Nature and the outdoors are expected to dominate travel plans, with an end to group tours and experiences, including theme parks, casinos, and to some extent, even visits to capital cities.
“Contract-free services and experiences, including mobile check-ins, payments and room ‘keys’; self-service kiosks; in-room technologies for entertainment and e-shopping; as well as virtual visits to museums, galleries and movies will all be in demand.”