- Third round will be for 'experiences' across the State
- Comes as the first two rounds poured $32 million in the economy
- Vouchers designed to support businesses during quieter winter months
Tourism vouchers are the rage at the moment with many schemes being introduced nationally such as in Victoria and Queensland – the latter of which saw 106,212 people register for 15,000 Far North Queensland vouchers.
In light of JobKeeper ending later this month, the South Australian Government has announced the third round of vouchers is set to benefit around 500 operators who are expected to register their experiences.
Previously, the South Australian Government offered two rounds of the Great State Voucher program, which they say created over 62,000 room night bookings and poured $32 million into the economy.
The new round titled the ‘Great State Experiences Voucher’ scheme will consist of $50, $100 and $200 vouchers on participating tours and experiences.
South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, is hopeful the program will provide stimulus ahead of JobKeeper ending.
“We know the first two voucher rounds injected more than $32 million into the state’s visitor economy, getting people out and spending on hospitality across SA and resurrecting tourism in our state,”
“Expanding the scheme to direct cash-flow into South Australian tour and experience businesses following the busy Easter period and after the JobKeeper subsidy ends is the right support at the right time.”
“We’ve listened to industry and business owners across SA, and this latest round of vouchers will see locals spending up on tours and experiences which they ordinarily might have overlooked while holidaying at home.”
Steven Marshall, South Australian Premier
As seen during the first two rounds, a limited number of vouchers will be available for interstate tourists.
The vouchers will be available in late April 2021 and for use over the traditionally quieter winter months – including the July school holidays.
Operators that have already signed up include EscapeGoat adventures who operate mountain bike tours out of the Adelaide Hills, Glass Half Full tours who operate tailored luxury wine and food tours, Helivista who provide luxury helicopter tours and Gorge Wildlife Park who are known for their koala holding sessions.
Michael Errey, the Managing Director for The Glass Half Full Tours, welcomes the voucher system after a challenging year for his business.
“Without international tourists and with the uncertainty around interstate, we’re down significantly on the previous year and we’ve had to work hard to rebuild existing markets and develop new markets,”
“These vouchers will help push locals to book with us and once they experience it, no doubt they’ll join our loyal base of locals and be back to book their next tour.”
Michael Errey, The Glass Half Full Tours Managing Director
