New regional tourism initiatives accredited as 700 South Australians employed

The final round of Marshall Liberal Government Tourism Industry Development Fund grants include a new scenic flight experience in Fleurieu and luxury accommodations in Clare Valley, one of the state’s world-class wine regions.

The total number of projects funded under the program is 42 with a total value of 25 million US dollars – spread across all eleven tourist regions of South Australia.

Prime Minister Steven Marshall said the TIDF is giving regional economies a real boost and creating nearly 700 jobs to date.

“One of the main goals of the TIDF is job creation and skills development. As project applications flood into the SATC, that number will continue to grow,” said Premier Marshall.

“From the latest data from Tourism Research Australia, we know that January 2021 was the best month since the pandemic began. Visits, nights and expenses were the highest in a month since March 2020.

“These results are based on a strong domestic market and a recovering interstate market. So it’s great that we have a number of new and exciting experiences to keep visitors coming back to our regions again and again.

“All of our 42 TIDF projects provide visitors with a variety of reasons to travel to South Australia and our regions to boost our economies.”

Martyn Smith, managing director and owner of Adelaide Biplanes in the Fleurieu Peninsula, said the $ 28,517 grant will help them invest in delivering the most immersive flying experiences imaginable.

“As with any other tourism company, we lost almost all of our customers overnight after the international and interstate borders closed, which was absolutely devastating,” said Smith.

“With an inevitable slow return for the aviation industry, we have fought hard as a family to keep our passion alive to share with others in the future.

“With the TIDF grant, we were able to invest in upgrades for our DH82 Tiger Moth and the 8KCAB Decathlon from 1940 in the form of a complete fabric restoration. This will help us continue to provide the most beautiful, impressive and unique vintage experiences to local, interstate and international visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula. We look forward to the future! “

Jim Barry Wines in the Clare Valley is awarded a US $ 220,000 Scholarship to The Mill Street Retreat. The $ 770,000 project will build four luxury one-bedroom apartments in the heart of this beautiful wine region.

Peter Barry, managing director of Jim Barry Wines, said the TIDF funding will help attract high quality travelers from across Australia to the region and boost the local economy.

“I would like to thank Steven Marshall and his administration for having the vision and foresight to provide this funding. It has given us the confidence to gamble and develop this boutique experience in the Clare Valley, ”said Barry.

“The Mill Street Retreat will deliver new vacation rentals to an area where there is a lack of accommodation options, especially in the upper end of the range. It will also create new jobs and real employment pathways for the Clare Valley community. We have used local artisans throughout the development to further boost the local economy. “

Successful scholarship holders:

The $ 20 million fund runs through March 31, 2022 or until all funds are allocated.

Further information on the TIDF can be found at: www.tourism.sa.gov.au/support/tourism-industry-development-fund