Local tourism operator Coonawarra Experiences was recently showcased on the global stage at a roadshow in America.
Coonawarra Experiences is operated by Simon and Kerry Meares and the roadshow took Mr Meares to New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
Mr Meares travelled with delegates from the South Australian Tourism Commission and other South Australian operators to showcase the state and put the Limestone Coast on the map.
The journey provided international networking opportunities and Mr Meares engaged with agents and buyers to encourage them their clients must visit the Limestone Coast during their travels.
“We had networking events with journalists and agents in each of the cities, we had cocktail functions with the buyers which was more of an informal thing, and the next day we all sat down at 9-to-5 style networking and business meeting sessions,” he said.
“We have already sold some business to New York and there is a very big possibility we will have some work coming out of Los Angeles as well.
“Whilst we were selling our own business, the brief was to showcase WOW, which is Wildlife, Outback and Wine.
“The overarching goal was to sell South Australia, saying if you want to see the outback, see the animals, see the kangaroos, wombats, we have got it here in spades.
“If you want to have wine, we have got the best wine in the country.
“If you want to go outback, within a few hours you are in the Flinders Ranges.”
Mr Meares said Coonawarra Experiences had morphed into a Destination Management Company (DMC), an enterprise that manages a variety of professional services at a travel destination, which was very appealing to agents.
“To an agent, DMCs are very important, because if an agent books with us we can arrange the client’s accommodation, touring, meals, experiences, we can do the lot,” he said.
“First-timer American tourists coming to Australia might not choose South Australia as part of an itinerary or they are unlikely to choose the Limestone Coast, so whist we are looking to change that way of planning, we are certainly aiming at the second, third or fourth trippers that are coming through or the more affluent American tourists that do not have a time restraint with holidays.”
Mr Meares said the overseas trip was about fostering relationships in the industry, which they would continue to maintain.
“These meetings are really long-term relationships, you have really got to stay and build with them, so we will end up going back to the states or to the UK or Europe in years to come to ensure we continue to foster these relationships and keep the trust going,” he said.
Mr Meares said the interest in the region was “massive” and said it was important to showcase the wealth of tourism opportunities and unique experiences the Limestone Coast offers.
“I think as a region we are pretty comfortable in our own skin; we know we have got great products and great wines and produce and experiences, I just think we undersell ourselves a little to be honest,” he said.
“I do not think we make enough noise, we are in a situation globally now where we need to start making a lot more noise, because we deserve to be on the TV screens and billboards just as much as our mates on Kangaroo Island or in the Barossa.
“Let us make the Limestone Coast a region international guests cannot afford to leave out of their itineraries.
“The most common statement we get when people come out and tour with us or maybe stay a couple of nights is ‘we did not allow enough time.’”
The couple also recently attended the largest international trade show in the country, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE23) in the Gold Coast and Mr Meares will jet off to the UK and Europe in June.
Mr Meares said when they established Coonawarra Experiences, he did not imagine they would be where they were today.
“A lot of thanks has to go to people, like Biddie Shearing when she was in her role with the LCLGA, she was absolutely instrumental in helping us get ourselves trade-ready,” he said.
