McLaren Vale and Kangaroo Island tourism businesses are among those to benefit fro m the state government’s regional stimulus program.                   

A further 12 new regional tourism development projects have been granted funding under the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Tourism Industry Development Fund (TIDF).

This brings the total number of successful applications to 21 – with a combined project value of nearly $14.9 million and grant amount of $3.7 million.

McLaren Vale ‘s Vineyard Retreat has been granted $27,000 towards a $90,000 renovation that will create luxury accommodation catering to those with accessibility requirements. 

On Kangaroo Island, the Seaview Motel gets more than $80,000 towards renovation and refurbishment of 17 rooms, kitchen, restaurant and landscaping that will cost $275,000.

The Oyster Farm Shop, also on KI, receives $36,000 towards a $120,000 expansion project to increase capacity and build and all-weather oyster bar and tasting room.

Premier Steven Marshall says the funding will help bolster the state’s tourism industry as it continues to recover from the dual crises of the global Coronavirus pandemic and last summer’s bushfires.

“South Australia’s regional tourism operators have received a multi-million dollar boost to help them extend and improve their offerings, creating jobs and boosting the local economy,” he says.

“This will not only help them attract more visitors to their businesses, but to their region as well.

He says the latest $2 million cash injection will create more than 100 jobs and support regional communities from the bushfire-affected Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island, to the Flinders Ranges and Outback, and the Riverland.

The $20 million fund runs until 31 March 2022 or until all funds have been allocated. For more information visit the TIDF website.