Tourism grants make 114 projects reality across SA, creating multi-million-dollar injection & hundreds of jobs

Off-grid accommodation, tiny homes, a boutique gin distillery, and luxury coach tours are some of the latest tourism projects to be funded through the Tourism Industry Development Fund.

The South Australian Tourism Commission has fully allocated the $20 million Fund, awarding grants to 114 projects across the state.

Since September 2020, the Fund has brought a total of $82.7 million tourism projects to fruition, creating 608 ongoing tourism jobs in the process.

Premier Steven Marshall said the 114 projects supported by the Fund are expected to inject an additional $74.5 million to the state's visitor economy each year, boosting businesses and creating jobs.

"With $20 million in grants awarded across all 11 tourism regions, we're supporting South Australian tourism businesses to attract more visitors who will stay longer and spend more - pumping $74.5 million into the state and creating jobs for South Australians now and into the future," Premier Marshall said.

"This Fund is set to generate more than 600 ongoing jobs in South Australia's visitor economy, on top of the more than 1,180 jobs created in construction, as the projects are built."

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said the Fund has supported tourism operators to meet what has been record-breaking regional tourism demand.

"Last year, regional SA celebrated seven consecutive months of record-high regional demand and we expect regional tourism will continue to play a major role in recovering our state's visitor economy," Mr Harrex said.

"One of the strategic priorities identified across all regions for growing the visitor economy is improved tourism infrastructure, that's improved accommodation, product and experiences, and that's exactly what this fund is doing.

"When visitors check out one of these new offerings like Beerenberg in the Adelaide Hills or Oliver's Taranga on the Fleurieu Peninsula, they are supporting our industry and they are supporting regional economies.

"With over 60 new projects backed by this Fund to be complete this year, locals and visitors alike have even more reasons to see South Australia."

Wander on Kangaroo Island will receive a $500,000 grant for a $1.7 million development to build five new luxury eco-aware WanderPods. The one and two bedroom pods are completely self-sufficient and include solar and water harvesting while offering guests the opportunity to use the travel experience to think differently and live more sustainably.

Cassandra Sasso, Wander CEO and Co-Founder said the project will provide visitors to Kangaroo Island with unique, eco-accommodation that invites them to reconnect with the land and the story of the local community.

"We are so excited to be opening our next Wander location on Kangaroo Island. There is so much passion found in the community, and we are honoured to be a part of this special place. The opportunity and support from the SATC will allow us to invite all Australians to discover the same island magic we have fallen in love with, further boosting visitation to the region and state."

Another grant recipient in this funding round, See Adelaide and Beyond, will receive $20,000 to enable it to purchase a 20-seat bus and increase capacity on a new 'Taste the McLaren' tour.

Owner/operator of See Adelaide and Beyond, Dallas Coull, who also operates Taste the Barossa and Great Ocean Road and Beyond, said: "When this grant scheme was announced, we were riding a bit of a wave between the first Covid lockdown and the Omicron outbreak. We were previously running a small 10 seat unbranded bus during our McLaren Vale & Glenelg tour, and this grant was the catalyst in us investing in a bigger vehicle and getting a wrap on the bus that did justice to the regions and wineries we explore and visit.

"The sunsets over Adelaide's metropolitan coasts, especially Glenelg, are awesome; so, it's great this bus showcases that very special part of our tour."

Limestone Coast operator, Drink Ottelia + Eat Fodder received a $214,685 grant last year for a $715,618 redevelopment of its restaurant and cellar door.

Speaking about the recently completed project, John Innes, owner, Ottelia said the end result was beyond their expectations.

"Our grant funding helped us complete our project to a very high standard. The new Ottelia has been embraced by the Coonawarra community and is now a key destination for visitors to the region," Mr Innes said.

"The SATC's initiative in regional SA has been hugely successful, with many projects similar to ours being undertaken. This creates an immediate stimulus through the construction phase and an enduring economic benefit to the region."

Latest grant recipients:

Grants range from $20,000 to $500,000 with a maximum of 30 per cent State Government funding committed to the total project value.

To see the full list of grant recipients, visit: tourism.sa.gov.au/support/tourism-industry-development-fund.