The Penola and Coonawarra region is ready to welcome tourists back with open arms after COVID-19 border closures caused a significant decline in visitation numbers.
Riddoch Business and Community Association president Nicole Reschke said people were a bit apprehensive due to uncertainty with borders and current testing requirements.
“Tourists are probably a bit reluctant and hesitant to come across the border,” Ms Reschke said.
“But everyone’s excited for the summer and hopefully the visitation that’s coming, we’re all poised and ready and welcoming it.”
Ms Reschke said tourist numbers were currently sporadic and inconsistent but they were hoping for a busy summer trade.
She said Penola had a lot to look forward to and summer was a great time to visit the Coonawarra.
“To just escape from your normal environment is really refreshing, especially in these times when you might be uncertain of what to do,” she said.
“But a little trip can refresh you a lot, it does not have to be a big destination.
“Everyone that’s visiting at the moment are so grateful and it’s so wonderful to see.”
Ms Reschke said domestic tourism provided a great opportunity for local towns to build loyal visitors who would spread word of mouth about the beauty of the region.
Ms Reschke also emphasised the importance of supporting local businesses.
“The money that is spent here gets re-invested in the area and gets turned over, everyone gets the benefit of that,” she said.
“I think people should never underestimate supporting local.”
In regards to the Penola bypass, Ms Reschke believed it would be beneficial for both the town and visitation.
“It’s enabled us to have a safer main street that we can have alfresco dining on and, as we go forward, we can build a more charming town,” she said.
“We need to work really hard to entice the visitors in from the bypass with good signage and good landscaping; we need that boost along to help entice the visitors in and really put Penola on the map as a destination.”
There is lots happening in the region in January, including the Koonara pop-up bar in Mount Gambier, the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup and events at Raidis Estate.
Several businesses have also popped up, including Grumpy’s Smoker and the re-opening of Ottelia.
