The $20million support package will support private investment in regional tourism development, with grants of between $20,000 to $500,000 available for new and improved accommodation, products and experiences. 

After a tough start to 2020 for the tourism sector, the Independent MP said now was the time for future-planning. 

“Tourism has been one of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic however the domestic tourism market is tipped to soar as visitors are unable to travel internationally,” he said. 

“Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast region is perfectly placed to boom following the relaxing of hard border restrictions allowing interstate visitors.

“We’ve got wide open spaces, plenty of unique natural assets and some of the best wine country in Australia.

“The funding will not only help support local operators recover and support job creation but also to improve their products and experiences for the visitors.”  

The funding announcement comes as the South Australian Tourism Commission asks regional tourism operators to help develop the state’s 2025 Regional Visitor Strategy.

“As a regional tourism operator, your input is incredibly valuable to State Government planning processes and help shape the future of the industry,” Mr Bell said.

“We are a unique region and we deserve a plan suited to our specific needs to give our tourism sector the support it needs to thrive into the future.

“I encourage anyone who has an idea to boost tourism in our region, now’s the time to put it in action.”