A major cellar door development, multi-million-dollar holiday park, retro whisky distillery, and unique Kombi camping experience are among the latest projects to capitalize on continued record-high regional tourism demand.
The latest round of grants in the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Tourism Industry Development Fund has been released today, with nine new projects awarded grants to a total of more than $1.8 million.
It brings the total number of projects supported through the Fund to 80, with a total project value of more than $56.8 million, spread across all 11 tourism regions.
Premier Steven Marshall said the Fund is spurring huge investment in the state’s regions at a time of continued record-breaking regional tourism demand, sustaining and creating jobs.
“Regional visitor expenditure grew 25 percent in the 12 months to June, nearing pre-COVID levels to $3.5 billion, and intrastate expenditure hit a record-high $2.6 billion – this Fund is supporting our state’s tourism operators to capitalize on this huge demand and giving visitors more reasons to keep coming back and spending in SA,” Premier Marshall said.
“We’re not only building a stronger and more prosperous tourism industry – we’re creating more jobs for South Australians now and into the future.”
Nepenthe Wines in the Adelaide Hills is one of the nine latest projects receiving funding and will use its $463,291 grant to unlock a more than $1.5 million development of its cellar door to include new on-site experiences.
AVL Wines CEO Craig Garvin said the company was extremely grateful to receive the State Government support.
“The grant allows us to proceed with the project immediately, bringing forward the economic and social benefits of the project to the South Australian and Adelaide Hills economies in a time where it’s much needed. The renovation will boost wine sales, create employment opportunities and encourage more tourism to the region from both national and international markets,” he said.
A $500,000 grant to Discovery Parks Goolwa in the Fleurieu Peninsula will support a multi-million-dollar development with new cabins, 3-bedroom houses, powered sites, and a new water park – set to be re-launched in time for Christmas.
Chief Investment Officer for G’day Group, Amanda Baldwin is “thrilled” the grant is supporting their vision for Discovery Parks Goolwa to become a stand-out family destination on the Fleurieu.
“This is no small upgrade – the property is being reinvented as one of the State’s best holiday parks with a waterpark, outdoor cinema, coastal nature playground, and a significant number of new cabins and campsites. The total project is a $22 million investment, and alongside the exciting upgrade planned for McCracken Country Club, the Fleurieu will soon have so much more to offer.”
Barossa-based Kombi Camping is a camping van hire experience which has jumped on the burgeoning post-COVID trend of self-contained camping and road-tripping. Its $49,954 grant will enable it to get two vintage Kombi vans on the road for hire, to add to its one van fleet which is proving hugely popular among local’s keen to explore the state in their own time.
Owner/operator of Kombi Camping, Cooper Pratt said: “We are really excited to receive this grant which will give our business a huge boost – it means we can fast track the refurbishment of two new campers ready for visitors to enjoy the Kombi life across South Australia’s beautiful regions.”