AFL Crows captain Rory Sloane and wife Belinda’s ‘lounge room tourism’
AFL Crows captain Rory Sloane and his Channel 7 presenter wife Belinda Sloane — both lovers of South Australia’s wineries, food culture and landscape — are behind a push to support regional Australian businesses by indulging in “lounge room tourism”.
Confidential
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Months after the devastating bushfire crisis, and with the current coronavirus pandemic affecting the economy, the Australian tourism industry is struggling.
However AFL Crows captain Rory Sloane and his Channel 7 presenter wife Belinda Sloane say there’s still hope for domestic tourism, despite government-enforced travel restrictions and social distancing measures.
The couple are fronting a new “lounge room tourism” campaign, which allows people to see Australia from the comfort of their own homes.
“We’re positive that if people continue to support tourism and local businesses where possible, that the sector will survive and thrive,” they told Confidential.
The Sloanes have teamed up with the South Australian Tourism Commission to take Australians on a tour of their home state, sharing some of their favourite travel experiences and other hidden gems.
The content will be available to view from a new digital platform called SATV.
“We will be highlighting businesses who are struggling during this time and give them hope for a brighter future by showcasing their offerings,” they said.
“We will be sharing their stories and spreading some positive light through SATV’s video live hub. These videos aim to entertain and enlighten people on what is currently on offer, from virtual wine bars, online music performances, locally sourced grocery boxes and plenty more.
“There is still so much fun to be had from the comfort of our own living room and SATV has been created to share it all with you.
“We hope that at the least it will put a smile on people’s faces and inspire them to get creative at home.”
Earlier this year, the Tourism Transport Forum estimated the global health crisis could cost the Australian tourism industry $2 billion a month.
Last month, the federal government announced a $715 million relief package for the Australian aviation industry.
“We are both really passionate about South Australia — it has so much to offer in terms of tourism,” they said.
“In SA we have world class food and wine, along with some of the most beautiful scenery and coastlines in the world.
“We really wanted to assist in sharing the unique ways that so many operators and businesses have adjusted to the current climate and are offering so much to us directly from the comfort of our own home.
“We want to ensure that we all continue to support these businesses so that they are there for us to enjoy in years to come.”
SATV is aimed at supporting local tourism operators and businesses who, due to the COVID-19 crisis, have restructured how they operate and are now offering new innovative ways for would-be travellers to experience, purchase and engage with these brands from the comfort of their couch.
Originally published as AFL Crows captain Rory Sloane and wife Belinda’s ‘lounge room tourism’
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