TWO Riverland businesses have received significant stimulus grants from the State Government to help develop the region’s tourism offering.
Murtho-based ecotourism operator Murray River Trails and Berri-based birdwatching business Bellbird Tours are two of 12 businesses across the state to receive funding through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Tourism Industry Development Fund (TIDF).
Nearly $180,000 was granted to Murray River Trails to build a new $630,000 luxury houseboat for small group tours.
Bellbird Tours received more than $25,000 for a $91,500 upgrade for its visitor facilities and a new tour vehicle.
Murray River Trails owner Tony Sharley said stimulus funding provided the “perfect opportunity” for local operators to improve the standard of their offerings.
“Increasing standards is something that will go hand-in-glove with people having the confidence to travel,” he said.
“I think it’s fantastic that this money is being spent in the regions.”
Mr Sharley said the project would positively impact the Riverland visitor economy.
“Our modelling of the flow-on effects show an increase in the number of jobs in our business and regionally,” he said.
“As our tours grow in demand because of the new offering, our model shows in the 2024/25 financial year it would have increased employment locally by 43 jobs.
“All of those are vital in providing the sort of experiences we provide.
“The modelling also shows an increase in spending in the region. From this development alone, we expect a growth of $2 million.
“We’re really delighted that the Tourism Commission have the confidence to invest in a project like this.”
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said he was pleased to see two Riverland tourism businesses receive funding through the TIDF.
“Tourism expenditure contributes upwards of $180 million to the Riverland economy and for the industry to continue to grow our region needs to develop new and innovative tourism products to meet growing market demand,” he said.
“Both Bellbird Tours and Murray River Trails are unique tourism attractions for our region, bringing in visitors and keeping our suppliers, shops and cafes busy – and that means jobs.
“This is a welcome cash injection into our region’s tourism industry, especially as it continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19.
“The fund is a vital opportunity for regional tourism providers to recoup some of their losses and, while the fund is still open, I’m encouraging those businesses to get their submissions in as soon as possible.”
Premier Steven Marshall said the funding would help bolster the state’s tourism industry as it continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and last summer’s bushfires.
“South Australia’s regional tourism operators have received a multi-million dollar boost to help them extend and improve their offerings, creating jobs and boosting the local economy,” he said.
“This will not only help them attract more visitors to their businesses, but to their region as well.”