Houseboat operators hope River Revival vouchers will help them stay afloat

Would-be holidaymakers can register for a chance to win discounted holidays on the River Murray this week.

Locals support locals – that’s why this post about a community cause is free to read. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories. Subscribe today.

Gee it’s a hard life on the River Murray. Photo: Wow Houseboats.

The Murraylands’ houseboat operators hope to get a boost from the second round of a state government voucher scheme intended to help the local tourism industry.

Between Monday and Wednesday this week, would-be holidaymakers were able to apply for vouchers worth up to $750 off the cost of a houseboat holiday.

Alternatively, they could claim $200 off the cost of accommodation or $100 off an experience with participating operators.

A total of $2.5 million worth of vouchers were expected to be given out to residents of South Australian, Victoria and New South Wales on Thursday; and would be redeemable for travel between June 23 and November 30.

George Bolton, from the Boating Industry Association SA, hoped the scheme would have a big impact.

“Operators have basically had no income for the past six to eight months,” he said.

“Seven hundred and fifty dollars is a good incentive to attract people onto houseboats at this time.

“No matter what time you go on the River Murray, it’s a different experience – we’ve got fabulous cruising from Wellington up to the border.”

A previous round of vouchers, which included accommodation and experience providers but not houseboat operators, injected $1.8 million into the Murraylands and Riverland’s economy.

• Enter the draw: Visit southaustralia.com/voucher before 10pm on Wednesday.

---