South Australians will soon have the chance to secure discounted coastal getaways, with the Coast is Calling voucher ballot opening tomorrow. The initiative, backed by the South Australian and Commonwealth governments, offers 20,000 vouchers for accommodation and experiences in coastal towns, aiming to draw visitors back to regions affected by the recent algal bloom.
More than 230 tourism businesses have signed up to the scheme, which includes over 500 accommodation and experience options. Vouchers range from $100 to $500, covering everything from fishing charters and kayaking to glamping sites and hotels. Residents aged 18 and over can enter the ballot between 9am Friday 19 September and 10pm Monday 22 September. Winners will be drawn on Tuesday 23 September and can start booking immediately for travel until 30 November.
The program is designed to encourage travel during the spring school holidays and the October long weekend, periods when families are often looking for short breaks. With options including $100 experience vouchers, $100 accommodation vouchers for one-night stays, $200 vouchers for two nights, and $500 vouchers for five nights, the initiative provides flexibility for both quick escapes and longer visits.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has called on South Australians to help coastal communities, pointing out that some areas untouched by the bloom are still facing cancellations due to perceptions of widespread impact. He emphasised that past voucher programs have delivered strong returns, with every dollar spent by government generating five more in local communities.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the scheme forms part of a broader campaign to show coastal towns remain open for business. She noted that the vouchers are one way to encourage bookings, but the wider message is that South Australia’s coastal regions have much to offer regardless of discounts.
Operators are welcoming the move. Joel Hirsch from The Big Duck Boat Tours and Spirit of the Coorong said the support would help rebuild confidence in ocean tours, while Stephan Edwards, CEO of Edwards Group and Vice-President of SA Parks, stressed the importance of caravan parks in regional economies. He said longer stays typically translate into broader spending across pubs, shops and wineries, meaning the benefits extend beyond accommodation providers.
The Coast is Calling vouchers are one part of a $28 million package responding to the algal bloom, alongside clean-up efforts, research, community support and industry assistance. Officials hope the program will not only stimulate bookings for participating businesses but also bring flow-on spending to other local operators who have faced months of uncertainty.
For more details on eligibility and entry, residents can visit here.
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