HSA February 2021

Photo By: Che Chorley
Great State Voucher Scheme Round Two
Injects $19 Million Into SA Economy
A $19 million injection into South Australia’s visitor economy,
thanks to the second round of the Great State Voucher Scheme
has led to a record-breaking summer for our local tourism
industry.
With the booking period for the second round of the Marshall
Liberal Governments Great State Vouchers wrapping last Sunday
night – the outcomes have sensational for South Australia’s
tourism sector – helping to create jobs and boost our economy.
Round two of the GSV generated more than 36,000 bookings
– and attracted over 1.1 million product views through the
southaustralia.com website.
That is a direct economic injection of more than $19 million into
the visitor economy – helping sustain and create jobs in our
sector. Already more than 10,000 check-ins have been made –
people staying overnight, spending in and exploring the areas
nearby, since 7 January.
Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall thanked all South
Australians for embracing the second round of the scheme and
spending big in our CBD and regions.
“Thank you to everyone in South Australia - from those who
booked a night in our great state, to our incredible tourism
operators – you have all helped to create a record-breaking
summer,” Premier Marshall said.
“Across round one and two of the vouchers, we’ve created more
than 60,000 bookings, worth more than $31 million – getting
people booking up the CBD and regions, and spending in our
restaurants, cafes, bars and experiences around them.
“We will now take away any lessons we have learnt from the
second round of GSV, talk to the industry and gear up for a round
three.”
South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney
Harrex said he was thrilled at how well round two of the GSV
went, with South Australia breaking tourism records in our
regions.
“We have seen record occupancy, with some of the highest
occupancy levels in 12 months in regional SA. Figures provided
by STR for December 2020 show occupancy in regional South
Australia reached 60 per cent – the highest December on record,
and an increase on December 2019 (55 per cent).
“It’s been very pleasing to see Great State Voucher bookings were
snapped up across all 11 regions, with the Adelaide Hills, Barossa
and Fleurieu Peninsula the most popular,” Mr Harrex said.
The Oval Hotel, Crowne Plaza Adelaide, InterContinental, Mayfair
Hotel, Ibis Adelaide and Hilton Adelaide were among the top CBD
properties, with the Stamford Grand at Glenelg, Discovery Parks
Barossa, Novotel Barossa, Manna by Haus in the Adelaide Hills,
and McCracken Country Club at Victor Harbor the most popular
regional accommodation.
Operators around the state have commented on how thrilled they
are by the response to the vouchers:
CROWNE PLAZA ADELAIDE
– GENERAL MANAGER, SARAH GOLDFINCH:
“The Great State Vouchers have provided a much-needed
stimulus for our hotel industry. The benefits of a campaign such
as this are tangible, judged by room nights booked and, in the
case of Crowne Plaza Adelaide, the recruitment of new staff.
The vouchers have helped us trade strongly over the last few
months and our holdings are looking positive until the end of
March. There is also the flow on effect to our hotel suppliers and
partners, as business returns to the city and into our regions. We
thank SATC for this initiative.”
MAJESTIC HOTELS & APARTMENTS
– CEO, EOIN LOFTUS:
“Our team wants to say a huge thank you to everyone supporting
the local tourism industry by booking a ‘staycation’. We had
five of our six properties participating this time, including our
newest property, Majestic M Suites which officially opens its
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