More than 90 per cent of McLaren Vale’s accommodation was at capacity for the recent long weekend, signalling that the popular tourism region is back in business.

Following two months of COVID-19 travel and trade restrictions that paused tourism visitation, the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association (MVGWTA) was thrilled the region was able to reopen in time for the 6-8 June long weekend.

According to the association, businesses such as cellar doors, restaurants and tourism operators that were temporarily closed due to COVID-19, have all eagerly awaited being able to welcome back visitors and, “resume what McLaren does best; warm and generous hospitality.”

The association says many local businesses used the down time to accelerate renovations in their venues, assessing their business operations and implementing new measures to maintain social distancing and increased hygiene practices for reopening.

MVGWTA General Manager Jennifer Lynch credits the region's businesses for their fortitude during the required shutdowns.

"Reopening requires more than a return to normal, however, our businesses are innovative and continue to adapt to the changing circumstances,” she says.

“To reopen has required continuous adjustment and communication to ultimately ensure that any guest to McLaren Vale becomes a friend for life of our region.

"We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to McLaren Vale again and getting back to doing what we love and enjoy in a safe way."

The June long weekend has traditionally been a busy one for McLaren Vale, hosting the Sea & Vines event. The 2020 event was cancelled following backlash about drunken behaviour during the 2019 event, with the MVGWTA pledging to reinvent the event in 2021 to something more conducive to families and return visitors.