Kangaroo Island businesses are set for an influx of tourists this weekend as South Australians and interstaters get behind the bushfire-affected community to make this year's SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival one of the biggest yet.
Over 4,000 attendees are expected over the two days of racing at Kangaroo Island's Cygnet River Racecourse, with some flying in from as far as Brisbane on special charter flights.
Premier Steven Marshall said the event has long been popular among locals, but following the outpouring of support for Kangaroo Island, this year's event has attracted attention from new and far away visitors.
"There's been enormous support for the Kangaroo Island community from across the country, with people looking for ways they can help the island to recover," said Mr Marshall.
"We've seen this with special events held on the island such as the recent Kangaroo Island Fringe, and the huge support shown for the #BookThemOut campaign, which has resulted in more than 700,000 visits to the southaustralia.com website.
"The Kangaroo Island Cup Day has given many holiday planners that extra nudge to book a visit to the island, enjoy the action of the carnival, and spend some money with local businesses and tourism operators."
The 2020 Dudley Wines Kangaroo Island Cup takes place on Saturday 22 February at the Cygnet River Racecourse, near Kingscote.
"Today is a day to dress up and enjoy the trackside entertainment and marquees, the fashions on the field competition, and local food and wine.
"With thousands expected to attend, this is a wonderful opportunity to see the sights for visitors making it a long weekend," said Mr Marshall.
"I encourage anyone heading to the races to make the most of their time in Kangaroo Island and experience just how much remains untouched by fire and as beautiful as ever, from Cape Willoughby, to Emu Bay and the iconic Seal Bay."
The Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival is sponsored by the State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission's Regional Events and Festivals Program which is managed by Events South Australia.
The community has also got behind this year's Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival, with donations of charter flights out of Brisbane and Adelaide, as well as prizes and proceeds going to bushfire relief. For event details, go to southaustralia.com.
