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Travel vouchers worth up to $100 will be offered to South Australians to use towards accommodation across the state, as part of a significant tourism stimulus package to further boost the visitor economy and local jobs.

The Marshall Government’s $4 million voucher scheme – available from next month – will provide $100 vouchers for use at participating CBD hotels, and $50 vouchers to spend in regional and suburban accommodation.

A range of tourism operators from 5-star hotels to cabins in caravan parks have already signed-up to be part of the deal.

Premier Steven Marshall said the COVID-19 stimulus measure would provide a powerful ‘shot in the arm’ for our $7.8 billion visitor economy, and the more than 40,000 people it employs.

“This is a call to arms for South Australians to continue to back the local tourism industry by rewarding themselves with a guilt-free ‘staycation’ in one of our many excellent hotels or accommodation providers.”

“Every additional hotel night booked will result in positive flow-on benefits across the sector, as jobs – from front of house staff to chefs, cleaners and baristas – are supported.

“My Government is committed to supporting as many local jobs and businesses throughout the greatest economic challenge of our time, which is why we’ve committed $2 billion in economic stimulus so far.

“The tourism and hospitality industry is a significant local employer and we are pleased to be able to support them through this voucher scheme.”

Australian Hotels Association chief executive Ian Horne welcomed the new stimulus measure.

“Border closures and travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have resulted in a significant decrease in overnight stays in the city, the majority of which was made up by international visitation and corporate travel from the eastern states, so hotel operators have been really struggling,” Mr Horne said.

“Anything that is going to drive stays and visitation across the state is crucial, and giving consumers a big discount like this is going to encourage people to get out and about, and spending again.”

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said the voucher was a timely reward for South Australians who have had a tough time.

“We’re already hearing some incredible rates from CBD hotels who have signed up, that with our discount of $100 means South Australians will be able to stay in 5 star rooms in the city for prices they have never seen before,” he said.

Examples of hotels that have already signed up include the new Adelaide Oval Hotel and Crowne Plaza, Mayfair Hotel, Hilton Adelaide and the Middleton Beach Huts.

Notes:

Participating accommodation providers – ranging from CBD internationally recognised five-star hotels through to cabins in caravan parks in regional SA – are in the process of registering for the campaign. Hotels in the city and North Adelaide will be $100 off per booking, and accommodation in the regions will feature a $50 reduction per booking (both programs exclude Saturdays). Only South Australian residents over the age of 18 can redeem the Great State voucher.

Consumers will be able to obtain a Great State voucher from Thursday 15 October 2020 at 9am until Saturday 31 October at 11.59pm unless the allocation is exhausted prior. Consumers can book their stay from Thursday 15 October until 31 October for travel between 15 October to 11 December 2020 inclusive. Saturday night stays in both the CBD, metro and regional areas are not included in the program.