Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula have done well from the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund 2023-24.

The fund will support 33 developing and established regional events across the state, helping drive visitation and continuing to grow South Australia’s record-breaking regional visitor economy.

The largest garden festival in the country, food and beverage celebrations in world-class wine regions, and beloved festivals on the sea are just some of the chosen events.

Five Fleurieu events supported include the Willunga Almond Blossom Festival, the Fleurieu Food Festival, Grenache and Gourmet in McLaren Vale, Handpicked Festival in Langhorne Creek and the SA Wooden Boat Festival in Goolwa.

Kangaroo Island’s Racing Cup Carnival and Gutsy Kangaroo Island were also successful.

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison says this year’s Regional Event Fund will support a wonderful range of regional events which help attract more visitors.

"We know events are a key economic driver for our local economies, giving visitors a reason to book a trip ‘right now’ – and the Regional Event Fund highlights just how many unique experiences there are to enjoy across our state," she says.

Latest data shows regional tourism reached an all-time high $4.47 billion in the 12 months to March 2023, up 25 per cent on pre pandemic levels.

The Regional Event Fund is managed by the SATC, through Events South Australia, and provides financial and marketing support to attract and grow tourism events.

The annual program aims to strengthen the state’s regional events calendar and drive increased visitation and economic stimulus to the regional economy.

Applications for the 2024/25 Regional Event Fund will open in February 2024. For more information go to the Tourism SA website.