The Hotel Elliot is the latest Fleurieu recipient of a grant from the Tourism Industry Development Fund (TIDF).

The iconic hotel, on The Strand in Port Elliot,  will receive $500,000 for a $1.7 million development to transform the property into ‘The Hub’.

It will expand to become a function and training centre with a training kitchen, bars, outdoor dining, deck, toilet facilities, carpark and tourist information and visitor centre.

Hotel Elliot co-owner Matt Kelly says he is thrilled to receive the funding, which will contribute to an important hub for the region, creating local jobs and driving tourism to the coast.

“We anticipate adding a further 30-40 staff to our team, boosting our offering to a thriving tourism sector and offer young aspirants a training facility to improve their skill set,” he says.

The latest round of TIDF grants awarded more than $2.7 million to support 18 projects across the state.

Over half of the $20 million fund has now been allocated, with a total of 71 projects receiving $11.1 million in funding since December with a combined project value of more than $41 million.

Premier Steven Marshall says with South Australians continuing to see more of their own backyard in record numbers, the latest grants will deliver new accommodation options and tourism experiences to help meet demand and create and sustain jobs.

“This Fund is spurring investment in our state’s regional tourism industry, supporting operators to attract more visitors at a higher return, while creating more jobs for South Australians in the process,” he says.

“June was the seventh consecutive month that regional South Australia has broken tourism records so we’re giving people more reasons to keep seeing our state’s regions and keep our economy strong.

The $20 million Fund runs until 31 March 2022 or until all funds have been allocated.

Grants range from $20,000 to $500,000 with a maximum of 30 per cent state government funding committed to the total project value.

The region's previous fund recipients include McLaren Vale's The Vineyard Retreat, Oliver's Taranga Vineyards, Haselgrove Wines and Hastwell & Lightfoot.

Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park; Adelaide Biplanes in Aldinga and Star of Greece in Willunga have also received fund grants.

For more information on the Tourism Industry Development Fund visit the TDIF Webpage.