South Australians are being urged to holiday along the state’s coastline this spring as part of a new voucher program designed to help communities hit hard by the algal bloom.
The ‘Coast is Calling’ scheme will see 20,000 vouchers worth up to $500 released in a public ballot, with the aim of directing bookings to accommodation providers and tour operators in affected regions. The ballot opens on 19 September, ahead of the school holidays, with the first travel period beginning on 24 September.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the initiative was about supporting communities while reminding locals of what they have on offer nearby. “It’s time to do what South Australians do best, help those doing it tough—and what better way to do it than enjoying the incredible experiences and stays in our State’s magnificent coastal communities,” he said. He added that the vouchers would be directed to areas most impacted by the algal bloom, from the southern Eyre Peninsula through to Kingston SE, as well as Kangaroo Island.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the timing of the program was deliberate. “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,” she said.
She also pointed to the wider benefit of the scheme. “Importantly, for every dollar spent by the State Government on these travel vouchers, a further five dollars is spent within local communities—this benefits hospitality, retail and other local businesses doing it tough.”
Federal Tourism Minister Senator Don Farrell said the program was a way of backing small operators at a difficult time. “South Australia’s tourism operators are the backbone of so many communities, and they’ve faced a tough time with the algal bloom. This voucher program will help get more visitors booking tours, staying in local accommodation and supporting the small businesses that make SA so special,” he said. “Tourism isn’t just about holidays—it’s about jobs, livelihoods, and is the heartbeat of regional towns.”
South Australian Tourism Commission CEO Emma Terry encouraged businesses to register their interest. “I encourage all tourism businesses impact by the algal bloom to be part of the voucher program by submitting an expression of interest in the coming 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.”
The vouchers will be available in different categories: $100 experience vouchers, $100 accommodation vouchers requiring a one-night stay, $200 vouchers for two nights, and $500 vouchers for five nights. The travel period runs until 30 November, giving winners the chance to use them across spring.
The program is part of a wider $28 million package funded by the South Australian and Australian governments, which also covers research, clean-up efforts, industry support and community aid in response to the algal bloom.
More information for operators is available at tourism.sa.gov.au, and ballot entries can be lodged at southaustralia.com/voucher.
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