A RIVERLAND tourism operator has attracted $20,000 in State Government funding to assist with a major houseboat refurbishment.
Orlando Houseboat, owned by Ken and Aggie Bampton, will undertake the renovation at a total cost of $67,000 thanks to part-funding through the Government’s Tourism Industry Development Fund (TIDF).
Mr Bampton described the upgrades as a “fairly extensive overhaul”.
“Right now, we have a shared bathroom and that will be divided into an ensuite for each bedroom,” he said.
“There will also be a kitchen renovation and several other upgrades as well.”
Mr Bampton thanked the State Government for its support.
“We are what’s known in the industry as an SBO or single boat owner and we operate as part of River Murray Houseboats in Paringa, who manage it for us,” he said.
“We look after the capital, safety management and a bit of maintenance every now and then.
“It was very good to get this funding from the Government.”
Mr Bampton said the houseboat industry had experienced difficulties in 2020, but recovered well after the lifting of regional travel restrictions.
“For about three months last year, when regional travel was locked down, there was zero income for us,” he said.
“But since the latter part of last year things have really picked up.
“There are still issues – there have been interstate bookings that get cancelled on a regular basis… which has been a real nightmare for the manager.
“But even so, South Australian business has picked up so much, which has been really good.
“That is starting to tail off a little bit now, but generally the industry is doing fairly well at the moment.”
Nine other businesses also received grants as part of the latest round of funding through the TIDF.
Earlier this year, local tourism operators Murray River Trails and Bluebird Tours received $180,000 and $25,000 respectively in funding for upcoming projects.
Premier Steven Marshall said boosting visitation to SA’s regions is key to helping the state’s tourism industry recover.
“With regional South Australia seeing record occupancy levels in December 2020, it’s important we build on this momentum to help get our visitor economy back to its record $8.1 billion pre-pandemic level,” he said.
“The best way to do this is to invest in new and refurbished accommodation and exciting tourism products and experiences to give people more reasons to keep on coming back to our regions.
“This fund is simultaneously creating local jobs while future proofing our regional tourism sector.”
The $20 million fund runs until March 31, 2022 or until all funds have been allocated.
For more information about the TIDF, visit www.tourism.sa.gov.au/support/tourism-industry-development-fund.