A message from the South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex:
More positive news for South Australia this week, with the Premier announcing yesterday that step two easing of restrictions will again be brought forward, now commencing Monday 1 June.
The announcement includes details of the 'principles-based approach' for businesses to apply so that larger venues can accommodate more patrons (up to 80), provided they can maintain social distancing requirements of one person per four square metres. Venues are being asked to complete a COVID Safe Plan relating to the principles-based approach and have these available for any potential inspection by SA Health or SAPOL officials. For more details about the principles and to download the plan, go to covid-19.sa.gov.au/recovery. You can see the Premier's media release here.
I am pleased that step two brings not only an increased number of patrons for our hospitality sector, but also, sees that alcohol can be served without food. This means our city's many wine bars and our regional pubs, can re-open to the community and help entice even more South Australians to get out and experience our state, particularly over the June long weekend. I'm sure it is pleasing news to many, that cellar doors are able to sell wine, as long as patrons are seated, and that galleries, museums and cinemas will be back open next month. The Directions with the full details are expected to be published shortly on the SAPOL website and we continue to work with SA Health to seek clarity on how the changes might impact tourism operators.
In other good news for our sector this week, we saw the launch of the $5 million Nature-Based Tourism Co-Investment Fund, which aims to fast track eco-tourism projects, aiding the sector's recovery following the impacts of coronavirus restrictions and bushfires. The Fund is part of the Parks 2025 strategy and will provide grants to organisations to co-invest with the State Government to deliver sustainable, quality tourism experiences in South Australia – everything from walking trails, wildlife and marine experiences, to Aboriginal and cultural tourism. For details including how to apply, see the Department for Environment and Water media release.
