Investors urged to help fund eco-tourism push
Private investors are key to a government plan to build up eco-tourism opportunities in South Australia, including in our national parks.
SA News
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Private investors are being urged to come forward to help pay for tourism projects in South Australian public places, including national parks.
The State Government will today open a $5 million co-investment fund for “nature-based tourism” projects.
Projects in national parks, bushfire-affected areas, standout walking journeys, wildlife experiences, including immersive marine wildlife experiences, and Aboriginal and cultural tourism will be given priority.
Environment Minister David Speirs said the COVID-19-induced pause in interstate and international travel was an ideal opportunity for planning new nature-based tourism experiences in SA.
“The fund … will provide the stimulus and support which businesses need to activate or build on existing ecologically sensitive tourism offerings in the state’s national parks, reserves, botanic gardens, and crown land,” Mr Speirs said.
“We’ve already got some amazing experiences in this state but we believe there are still many more untapped opportunities and we’re seeking outstanding, world-class eco-tourism proposals to reaffirm South Australia as a ‘must-see’ destination.
“We will work closely with the tourism industry, the conservation sector and our Friends of Parks groups to ensure any potential nature-based tourism experiences improve conservation outcomes, … boost the economy and create jobs.”
The state’s push into “nature-based tourism” has had some challenges.
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The Australian Walking Company – which runs luxury tours in Victoria and Tasmania – has approval to build high-end accommodation for walkers on guided tours of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in the Flinders Chase National Park. But Kangaroo Island Eco-Action has lodged a bid in the Supreme Court for an injunction to prevent work from starting.
Tourism Industry Council of SA chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said nature and heritage-based tourism contributed $1.7 billion annually to SA’s visitor economy and had been growing by 7 per cent each year.
“This means that one in every five tourism dollars spent here has a nature and heritage tourism component,” Mr de Bruyn said.
“We already have a fantastic nature-based tourism offering in SA and now is the ideal time to build on this.”
Grants of between $20,000 and $1 million will be provided if recipients contribute 50 per cent or more to the project.