‘Rise up for our river’: Murray tourism voucher scheme revealed
The South Australian will spend $4.6 million reviving the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong’s tourism industry in the wake of this summer’s floods.
South Australians will be urged to “rise up for our river” this year as part of a $4.6 million voucher campaign in support of Murray River, Lakes and Coorong tourism.
Beginning on March 27, intending tourists will be able to register for three kinds of voucher for use in April, May and June:
- $50 towards an experience
- $100 towards a night’s accommodation
- $200 towards two or more nights’ accommodation
A fourth voucher for use on a houseboat holiday, valued at $750, will become available later in the year.
The South Australian Tourism Commission will support the scheme with an extensive marketing campaign.
We wanted to give you a sneak peak here first.
— Peter Malinauskas (@PMalinauskasMP) 8:26 AM ∙ Feb 27, 2023
It’s the new campaign that’s going to be launched in a couple of weeks – calling on South Australians to show their support to our impacted river communities.
State Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said more than 25,000 vouchers would be released across three rounds.
“Just like the post-bushfire Book Them Out campaign and the successful Great State Voucher program, we are urging South Australians to go and take a holiday for a good cause – this time to rise up for our river and help tourism operators impacted by this once-in-a-century flooding event,” she said.
“The Murray River is an incredible natural wonder right on our doorstep and a truly iconic Australian holiday experience.
“I implore South Aussies to make sure they register for a River Revival voucher when they’re available, book a holiday and enjoy everything that is on offer, from wine and food, nature at its best, accommodation from camping and family-friendly caravan parks to five-star luxury getaways.”
- Pre-register for a voucher: southaustralia.com/voucher.
Tourism operators welcome voucher announcement
The SATC briefed local tourism operators on the plan at a function at the Bridgeport Hotel on Friday; and will reach out to businesses, inviting them to get involved, starting this week.
Kelly Kuhn, owner of Zadows Landing-based tour business Juggle House Experiences, welcomed the voucher scheme.
“These vouchers are a rewarding action for the cries of South Aussies who want to rally in supporting us,” she said.
“We know from the COVID lived experience (that) this voucher system has a win-win outcome for everyone involved and is a saviour for small business.
“The vouchers are a direct and fast cash injection to our river communities, providing aid in bouncing back to business while at the same time showcasing the gems of the mighty Murray for our customers to become greater ambassadors.”
Murray River, Lakes and Coorong tourism development manager Bill Nehmy was equally chuffed about the “strong and diverse” marketing campaign in the works.
“The length of the campaign and diverse media communication is very positive, including flexibility and a strong voucher promotion,” he said.
“We will continue to work closely with the SA Tourism Commission to support our industry and operators and to leverage this campaign.”
- More information: tourism.sa.gov.au.
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