South Australians are keeping record-high intrastate tourism rates booming, with a record redemption rate driving tens of thousands of Great State Voucher bookings across SA.
Rounds five and six generated a combined nearly 60,000 bookings for tours, experiences and accommodation - a redemption rate record of 67 per cent.
It brings the total economic impact of the scheme to date, to an estimated $90 million, and comes as latest data shows intrastate expenditure increased 29 per cent in the 12 months to June 2021, to a record-high $2.6 billion.
Since bookings opened on 16 September for the Great State Experiences Vouchers, the nearly 23,000 vouchers redeemed have seen nearly 48,000 people booked in with South Australian tour and experience operators - as each experience voucher redeemed, created an average of 2.13 bookings thanks to plus ones and group bookings.
Great State Accommodation Vouchers generated nearly 37,000 room night bookings for accommodation providers state-wide, with more than 10,600 people already having checked-in to their stay.
Premier Steven Marshall said the Great State Voucher scheme is an effective tourism stimulus, keeping people spending with local businesses and keeping locals in jobs.
"Six rounds and a combined $90 million pumped into South Australia's economy, we're driving bookings into businesses, and supporting operators of tours, experiences and accommodation at a key time," Premier Marshall said.
"With a record rate of redemption on two concurrent rounds, we're maximising intrastate tourism and driving economic recovery - faster than forecasted.
"This scheme is creating and sustaining jobs, not just for tours, experiences and accommodation providers, but for pubs, cafes and restaurants - and it's doing this until we can safely reopen to our state's biggest interstate markets."
South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said the vouchers have been a popular talking point during recent regional visits, with operators reporting a much-valued boost in bookings and revenue.
"From winery experiences in the Clare Valley to water-based tours in the Eyre and Fleurieu Peninsulas, operators are reporting a welcome surge in business and income, as well as valuable marketing exposure," Mr Harrex said.
"I've also heard from CBD hoteliers who have copped the brunt of the downturn in interstate and corporate travel in recent months, who - thanks to the vouchers - have had rooms filled, restaurants bustling, and put on extra staff.
"The Great State Voucher scheme really is breeding a new brand of 'local advocates' who are booking tours and hotels they would have ordinarily overlooked - and this puts us in a great position when our borders open as these people will spruik SA to their family and friends."
One of the tour operators in the top 10 is the Big Duck Boat Tour, based in Victor Harbor. Marketing manager Joel Hirsch said the Great State Vouchers have led to extra cruises being added and additional shifts for staff.
"It's been manic, particularly over the last few days. We've seen literally thousands of people here, lots of families, and lots of South Australians who are looking to travel locally," he said.
"For some people, it has given them a chance to do something that they may not have been able to afford as a family, so it has really opened up opportunities and grown our market, which was a real bonus."
An icon of Adelaide's city skyline, the InterContinental Adelaide was the most-booked CBD hotel in round six of the Great State Voucher scheme.
InterContinental Adelaide General Manager, Michael Gaedtke said the hotel has received "an outpouring of support from our fellow South Australians" since the announcement of its $32 million refurbishment earlier this year, which has only been boosted by the vouchers.
"The vouchers have encouraged people to explore their city, and helped to ease the strain on our industry," he said.
"This investment in South Australian tourism, alongside the ongoing support from our guests, has greatly bolstered the hotel and allowed us to employ additional staff while providing stronger job security for more than 160 colleagues."
The travel period for round five runs until 28 November, and round six until 10 December 2021.
Top 10 most-booked experiences:
- Popeye River Cruises
- West Beach Adventure
- Temptation Sailing
- RoofClimb Adelaide Oval
- Adelaide Zoo
- Monarto Safari Park
- Maniax Axe Throwing
- The Big Duck Boat Tour
- Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours
- Captain Proud Paddle Boat Cruises
Top 10 most-booked CBD and North Adelaide accommodation:
- InterContinental Adelaide
- Crowne Plaza Adelaide
- Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets
- Hilton Adelaide
- Oval Hotel
- Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
- Eos by SkyCity
- Ibis Adelaide
- The Terrace Hotel Adelaide
- Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre
Top 10 most-booked regional and suburban accommodation:
- Stamford Grand Adelaide
- Novotel Barossa Valley Resort
- Beach Huts Middleton
- Bridgeport Hotel
- Serafino McLaren Vale
- Discovery Parks - Barossa Valley
- Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites
- Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites
- Lady Bay Hotel
- The Manna by Haus
Stay up-to-date on our Great State Voucher program at southaustralia.com/voucher.
