A new initiative from the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) connects consumers with lost travel plans to tourism operators hit by mass cancellations. With South Australia’s borders closed to all but two Australian states, a new online site by the state’s tourism authority aims to help remove the hard work from booking a holiday at home.

‘Re-Book in SA’ is a Facebook page where South Aussies can find last-minute accommodation and tour availability in SA at some of the state’s best destinations, which usually attract highyield interstate and international visitors.

SATC chief executive Rodney Harrex said the state was reeling from mass border closures, but with a sudden availability surge from cancellations the tourism authority was turning it into an opportunity. “We have heard from a number of operators right across the state – from Riverland to Adelaide Hills, to Eyre Peninsula, Barossa and Clare, they have been on the end of some heavy cancellations from interstate guests,” Mr Harrex said in a statement.

“At the same time there has been a lot of emails, phone calls and a lot of talking on socials from South Australians who are now facing their own cancelled interstate plans and looking for an alternative in SA. “Because of the record-breaking occupancy rates we have seen in regional SA for six consecutive months, there’s been limited inventory – so right now is the best time for South Australians to book a last-minute SA getaway to some of the state’s most sought-after properties. “I urge any South Australian looking for something special these school holidays … get onto Facebook and ‘Re-Book in SA’.”

SATC is working with accommodation, tour, and experience operators likely to have had mass interstate cancellations and is inviting them to join the group and post their last-minute availability. It comes as the industry works hard to recover its once $8.1b high.

Go to facebook.com/groups/rebookinsa to visit Re-Book in SA.