SA’s regional towns celebrate funding boost after record breaking year of tourism
Visitors have flocked to the regions, sparking new found confidence in tourism providers to invest in small towns to achieve big dreams.
Port Lincoln
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As Covid-19 border closures forced Australians to explore our own backyard in “record numbers”, regional tourism boomed spurring investment for when visitors do return.
The recent round of Tourism Industry Development Fund (TIDF) provided grants to 18 projects across the state and will help providers continue to reap the rewards of domestic tourism.
Premier Steven Marshall said the $20 million initiative was designed to get the industry back on track after border closures and lockdowns.
“June was the seventh consecutive month that regional South Australia has broken tourism records so we’re giving people more reasons to keep seeing our state’s regions and keep our economy strong,” Mr Marshall said.
Tourism Development Manager, Annabelle Hender from Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula said it had been a difficult period for the region but was positive the community would soar from recent funding.
“It’s exciting to see development in the region that will continue to enhance the visitor experience,” Ms Hender said.
“The 234,937sq km of unique and diverse landscapes provides a spectacular canvas for travellers to traverse, but I realise it’s the 11 councils, 52 communities and 585 tourism businesses that work so diligently to make the EP experience so memorable for visitors.”
As summer approaches, tourism operators are preparing to take advantage of the peak tourism period, including the Eyre Peninsula’s Jillian Coates, who received $119,405 to renovate her Deco Beach Luxury Apartments.
“It’s really important for me to say that I’m really appreciative of the State Government getting behind regional SA and supporting regional with these tourism grants,” she said.
Ms Coates’ Washington Street project was approved in March and exterior plans are well underway with the pool, carparking and landscaping area expected to be complete by Christmas.
Construction delays has slowed the interior renovation but an optimistic Jillian isn’t worried after the “non-stop” year just gone.
In the state’s South East a further four businesses were granted funds to help enhance their tourism operations including Simon and Kerry Meares from Coonawarra Experiences who provide unique tours to the region’s wineries.
The business was granted $30,267 to upgrade one of their current vehicles, which Mr Meares said was necessary to provide the “luxury” service desired.
“We’re looking to upgrade our tour offerings and target that more luxury market with a Merceds Benz V-250,” he said.
“We’re hoping to have it by December in time for what we hope is going to be a Christmas rush.
“Once the vehicle’s on the road, we’ll be offering much more personalised tour experiences – picking (guests) up and dropping them off in style.”
The V-250 will replace their current Kia Carnival and boasts leather “limo” style seating and panoramic sunroofs.
Coonwarra Experiences is also involved in the recent release of the Great State Vouchers and lucky ticket holders can use their $100 one-day vouchers to taste the Coonawarra until November 28.
North East of Adelaide, the Barossa Motel, previously Barossa Motor Lodge, in Tanunda was one of 11 businesses to receive tourism grants since the TIDF scheme started in March 2020.
The 42 year old business “certainly needs” the upgrade according to motel manager, Trevor Carll.
Despite its vintage character and a change in ownership two months ago, Mr Carll said the business continues to be “hammered” as the states tourism industry booms with local visitors.
He said the $202,508 grant will contribute towards the refurbishment of 40 rooms, exterior rendering and a paint job which he said would help it keep up with its competitors.
On the Fleurieu Peninsula Hotel Elliot receive $500,000 to go towards for a $1.7 million development transforming the property into a new hospitality hub and visitor information centre.
Co-owner Matt Kelly said he was thrilled to receive the funding, which will be an important focal point for the region, creating local jobs and driving tourism to the coast.
“We anticipate adding a further 30-40 staff to our team, boosting our offering to a thriving tourism sector and offer young aspirants a training facility to improve their skill set,” he said.
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