Photo: South Australia Tourism
South Australians who scored a Coast is Calling travel voucher are being urged to lock in their next coastal getaway, with the first booking window closing at 4pm today, Monday 19 January.
The expanded second round of the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program saw 30,000 vouchers released last month, offering up to $500 off accommodation and $100 towards experiences. The program is designed to encourage locals to holiday close to home while supporting coastal tourism operators impacted by the recent algal bloom.
Voucher holders have until 4pm ACDT today to make a booking for travel before the end of the April school holidays on 26 April. Any vouchers not redeemed by the deadline will be reallocated in a redraw on 22 January, giving those who missed out in the original ballot another chance to book a discounted coastal escape.
Those successful in the redraw will have until 19 February to book travel, also valid through to 26 April, extending the boost to accommodation providers, attractions, and hospitality businesses across South Australia’s coastline.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the program continues to deliver strong results for regions doing it tough.
“The benefits of these vouchers go well beyond their dollar value, as South Australians go on to tell their family and friends that our coastal towns have so much to offer this summer,” she said.
“For those lucky enough to have won a voucher last month, be sure to book it by Monday, 19 January, before it is reallocated to someone who missed out in the first draw.”
Round one of Coast is Calling injected an estimated $6.4 million into local visitor economies, with every dollar invested returning around $4.50 to coastal communities. The second round is expected to continue that momentum during the peak summer and school holiday period.
The voucher program is funded through the State and Federal Governments’ Algal Bloom Summer Plan, which aims to stimulate visitation and economic activity in affected coastal areas while rebuilding confidence among travellers.
Accommodation provider, Peter Clark, General Manager of The George Hotel, said he’s delighted to be a part of the program.
“Across Round one and Round two, we’ve welcomed more than 700 room nights directly through the program, which clearly shows the positive impact these vouchers are having on driving visitation to the region.”
“The initiative has introduced new guests to our hotel and encouraged longer stays, benefiting not only our hotel but the wider local economy.’
With vouchers available for accommodation valued at $100, $200, or $500, plus $100 experience vouchers, tourism operators are urging South Australians not to let their opportunity slip.
For those who secured a voucher last month, today’s deadline is the final chance to book before it is passed on. For everyone else, the redraw later this week could be the ticket to a last-minute summer escape along South Australia’s coast.
For full terms and conditions and to book, go to www.southaustralia.com/voucher.
