The ballot for the third round of River Revival Vouchers is now open, enticing more visitors to the state's Murray River regions with a great deal on a river getaway.
Eager travellers have until 11:59pm tomorrow to enter the ballot for a chance to score one of the $100, $200 and $750 vouchers available for use on accommodation and experiences across the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong and Riverland regions.
The River Revival Voucher program has so far injected an estimated $10.7 million into the state's Murray River regions.
More than 100 businesses have signed up to be part of the third and final voucher round, which will help continue bookings and visitation following the traditionally peak summer season.
The final round will see the release of an additional 2,500 vouchers and will bring the total number of vouchers released over the three rounds to more than 25,000 - delivering on the State Government's commitment made at the outset of the program when it was announced in February 2023.
The ballot is open to South Australians over the age of 18, as well as residents in cross-border communities in New South Wales and Victoria.
Voucher types:
- $100 Experience vouchers
- $100 Accommodation vouchers for a minimum one-night stay
- $200 Accommodation vouchers for a minimum two-night stay
- $750 Houseboats / guided tour vouchers (minimum $1500 spend inclusive of the $750 voucher)
Key dates for River Revival Voucher round three:
- Ballot registration: Now open - closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday 20 February
- Ballot draw and successful recipients notified: 21 February
- Booking dates: Wednesday 21 February - Wednesday 27 March
- Travel Period: 22 February - 30 June 2024.
The River Revival Voucher program has been a key part of the South Australian Tourism Commission's flood recovery efforts, helping drive tourism expenditure in the state's Murray River regions beyond pre flood levels.
Data from Tourism Research Australia shows in the year to September 2023, visitor spend in the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong regions reached a combined $604 million - well up on the $436 million spent in the year to September 2022, prior to the flooding event.
The voucher program is part of the State Government's $4.6 million Murray River tourism recovery plan, which aims to stimulate visitation and expenditure in the communities hit hard by the once-in-a-century Murray River flood last summer.
For full Terms and Conditions and to enter the ballot for a River Revival Voucher, visit southaustralia.com/voucher.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said "more than a year on from the devastating once-in-a-century flooding event, and we aren't taking our eyes of the river, supporting operators and communities in our Murray River regions."
"We know the River Revival Vouchers work, with this initiative already generating a whopping $10.7 million for our Murray River, Lakes & Coorong and Riverland regions, which has helped drive visitor spend beyond to a combined $604 million - beyond its pre flood value," Minister Bettison said.
"I am proud of how South Australians have 'risen up for our river' and supported communities in times of need, and this final River Revival Voucher round will go the extra mile to drive more visitors into hard-hit tourism operators."
Renmark River Cruises Owner/Operator, Matt Voigt said "the River Revival Vouchers have been great for our business recovery - they've encouraged people to visit the Riverland and surrounding river communities, and reminded people that we are here and the River offers an exceptional destination which is so easy to get to and enjoy."
"The floods had a huge impact on many businesses in our community and the recovery effort has been significant with many operators now back in business and ready to welcome visitors," Mr Voigt said.
"We hope this next round of vouchers will continue to show people that the River is an excellent destination all year round and that a Houseboat Trip or River Cruise is the most relaxing way to holiday!"
