A new travel voucher scheme is aiming to boost tourism numbers on the South Australian coast this spring, providing a vital boost for towns and communities hit hard by the current algal bloom.
The Coast is Calling travel voucher program – to be delivered by the South Australian Tourism Commission – will see 20,000 vouchers for accommodation and experiences valued at up to $500 released, with a ballot opening ahead of the next school holidays.
Eligible tourism businesses across South Australia’s coastal regions impacted by the algal bloom are invited to participate through an Expressions of Interest, which opened on August 26 and closes on Friday (August 29).
The voucher travel period will begin from 24 September allowing, families to take advantage of the incentive over the spring school holidays. The travel period spans more than two months, supporting flexibility for successful voucher holders.
The Coast is Calling travel vouchers key dates:
- Tourism operator expressions of interest: Open now, closing Friday 29 August
- Public ballot entry: Friday 19 September – Monday 22 September
- Ballot drawn: Tuesday 23 September
- Travel Period: Wednesday 24 September – Sunday 30 November
South Australians aged 18 and over can enter the ballot for vouchers to the value of $100, $200, and $500, generating bookings for experience and accommodation operators in areas which have been impacted by the bloom.
Vouchers available:
- $100 experience vouchers
- $100 accommodation vouchers (1-night minimum stay)
- $200 accommodation vouchers (2-night minimum stay)
- $500 accommodation vouchers (5-night minimum stay)
The naturally-occurring algal bloom which is affecting some coastal areas in South Australia has had a serious impact on marine life and the industries that rely on it – especially fishing, aquaculture and tourism.
The Coast is Calling program is part of the $28 million algal bloom support package funded by the South Australian and Australian governments going towards research, clean-up efforts, community support, industry help, and public information.
South Australian Tourism Commission CEO Emma Terry encouraged all businesses impacted by the algal bloom to submit an expression of interest.
"The voucher program will work in tandem with our marketing activity promoting our beautiful coastal experiences and accommodation destination to locals, reminding them of what they have on offer in their own backyard," Ms Terry said.
More voucher program information for operators is available at tourism.sa.gov.au
For full terms and conditions, go to www.southaustralia.com/voucher
For further information on the algal bloom, go to algalbloom.sa.gov.au
MORE STORIES LIKE THIS
