Coastal tourism regions impacted by the algal bloom will benefit from a new travel voucher program calling on South Australians to travel this spring.

The ‘Coast is Calling’ travel voucher program, delivered by the South Australian Tourism Commission, will see 20,000 vouchers for accommodation and experiences valued up to $500 released, with the ballot opening ahead of the next school holidays.

Eligible tourism businesses across South Australia’s coastal regions impacted by the algal bloom have been invited to participate through an Expression of Interest, which opens tomotrrow, Tuesday 26 August.

The voucher travel period will begin from 24 September, allowing families to take advantage of the incentive over the spring school holidays and travel to South Australia’s coastal towns.

The travel period spans more than two months, supporting flexibility for successful voucher holders.

The Coast is Calling travel vouchers key dates:

• Tourism operator Expressions of Interest: Tuesday 26 August – Friday 29 August 2025.
• Public ballot entry: Friday 19 September – Monday 22 September 2025.
• Ballot drawn: Tuesday 23 September 2025.
• Travel Period: Wednesday 24 September – Sunday 30 November 2025.

South Australians aged 18 and over can enter the ballot for vouchers to the value of $100, $200, and $500, generating bookings for experience and accommodation operators in areas which have been impacted by the algal bloom.

Vouchers available:

• $100 experience vouchers.
• $100 accommodation vouchers (1-night minimum stay).
• $200 accommodation vouchers (2-night minimum stay).
• $500 accommodation vouchers (5-night minimum stay).

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says past voucher initiatives have delivered meaningful results for tourism regions impacted by devastating natural events, such as the Murray River floods, and now the algal bloom.

“Parts of our tourism industry have already been hit hard by the algal bloom, and the traditionally busier part of the year is still yet to occur.

“That is why these vouchers have been strategically timed to capture the upcoming school holidays and October long weekend, so lucky voucher winners can make the most of their breaks while generating important dollars for communities that are hurting right now.”

The naturally occurring algal bloom is affecting some coastal areas in South Australia, which has had a serious impact on marine life and the industries that rely on it — especially fishing, aquaculture and tourism.

The ‘Coast is Calling’ travel voucher program is part of the $28 million algal bloom support package funded by the state and federal governments going towards research, clean-up efforts, community support, industry help, and public information.

South Australian Tourism Commission CEO Emma Terry is encouraging all tourism businesses impacted by the algal bloom to be part of the voucher program by submitting an expression of interest this week.

“The voucher program will work in tandem with our marketing activity promoting our beautiful coastal experiences and accommodation destination to locals, reminding them of what they have on offer in their own backyard.”

More voucher program information for operators is available at the Tourism SA website. 

For further information on the algal bloom, visit the state government dedicated website.