support SA’s tourism and hospitality industry this summer.

2022 has started off not as we expected here in South Australia. After an already challenging two years for the tourism, hospitality and retail industries navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the Summer of 2021/2022 was looking positive for our visitor economy.

The reopening of borders and the arrival of the Omicron variant has seen a surge in case numbers causing government to place new restrictions on businesses during peak season. As a result, many businesses are reporting that they’re struggling to stay open and the relentless media coverage on daily case numbers is affecting consumer confidence.

There are so many businesses that need support right now. If you can - enjoy a coffee or a meal at an outdoor area, take away is also a great option as well as supporting small and independent stores.

If you are ready to venture out and try something new, here’s a bit of inspo in Adelaide and surrounds – and are on my list to visit this Summer:

• Dowie Doole Tasting Pod – gorgeous architecturally designed space set amongst their vineyards.

• Paxton Wines – enjoy organic and bio-dynamic wines at the outdoor seating and spacious lawn area.

• Pizzateca at Silver Sands pop-up – Southern Italian pizza at Aldinga with absolute beachfront views, say no more!

• Olivers Taranga - Hop onboard ‘Ollie’ for a privately hosted Taranga Terroir experience to taste wines in the vines.

• Berg Herring Wines – Taste small batch McLaren Vale wines on the spacious lawn area

• Fox Creek Wines – Open air cinema

• Ambleside Distillers – Gin tasting on the open-air deck. Image credit: @marion_foodie

• Beerenberg Strawberry Farm - Strawberry picking. Image credit: @mishell.bz

• Book a CBD short break – Crown Plaza Adelaide. Image credit: @sarah.pretty

• Spaarke at the Whitmore - Enjoy a meal on the upstairs open air deck

Tips for business:

• Communication is key: Inform customers of your hygiene, cleaning and physical distancing measures by ensuring you have some Covid Safe FAQ’s (things to know) on your website.

• Communicate to your customers that they can have a covid safe experience with your business. Try creating a promotional reel on your social media channels showing a customer having a covid safe experience. Promote your open-air experiences, dining and take-away options and new products to drive demand.

• Stay up to date with latest travel advice and testing requirements and add a link to the SA health website so customers can easily access this information.

• Encourage customers to book ahead due to reduced capacity limits.

• Promote precautions that staff are taking to be Covid safe and highlight their staff training.

• Ask visitors to show vaccination status upon check-in.

• Complete the Tourism Industry Council of SA’s Covid-19 Accreditation – Covid Vaxx Practicing Business and Covid Clean modules.

• Promote your social media channels at your venue to encourage visitors to follow and share content.

• Ask for customer reviews to grow your online presence.

small grants now available - nature Based tourism.

With international borders set to open on 23 November 2021 it’s time to start thinking about your business and planning to welcome new visitors. Business innovation by enhancing your visitor experience or developing a new tourism product may be a good place to start to gain some new news about your business and drive sales.

To assist with this the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) have opened the Nature Based Tourism Small Grants Program for experiences which take place in South Australia’s national parks, reserves, botanic gardens, historic shipwrecks and on crown land. Grants of $2,000 up to $15,000 are available for eligible projects including:

·         Seasonal or pop-up tourism experiences

·         Commercial and/or cultural tours

·         Interpretive, educational or interactive programs

·         Temporary or portable visitor facilities

·         Events that encourage visitation.

Now that I have your attention, I have some event better news. The best part about this grant program is that you don’t need to front up matching funds to support the application. DEW have acknowledged the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and developed a program that supports to the tourism industry.

Kata and Belle, Eyre Peninsula. Image credit Kate Potter.

So if you’re wondering what can be funded? Here’s a list of expenditure that is eligible for funding:

·         operational expenditure

·         marketing and advertising

·         engagement of short-term personnel

·         purchase or lease of equipment and transportation such as vehicles, trailers, bikes, kayaks and boats.

If your entrepreneurial mind is now racing and you are ready to take the next step, I’m here to help business owners who find the grant process overwhelming by offering a grant writing service. Look no further as I can assist with writing, managing administration and grant reporting requirements. The devil is in the detail, and I will navigate the process and assist to strategically align your project to the government strategies and priorities.

Get in quick applications close on Friday 3 December 2021 at 2pm.