Redemption surge for second round of vouchers

South Australian Tourism Commission

Lucky recipients of a Great State voucher as part of the second iteration of the scheme have been quick to book up accommodation across South Australia, with redemption rates increasing more than 70 per cent on the first round in the first seven days.

Since vouchers could start being redeemed on 7 January, over 10,000 bookings have been made across the CBD, suburbs and the regions – hitting that milestone in just six days, compared with over nine days in the first round. Of the more than 10,000 bookings made, over 1,680 voucher holders will have already checked-in to their stay by tonight, and bookings have been made with operators across every region in SA.

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said the record redemption rates and the nights already taken were a fantastic boost for operators and the wider visitor economy.

“We know from the first round, that when people booked overnight stays, they also went to a restaurant for dinner, a café for breakfast, and some people booked experiences from the Naracoorte Caves to the Adelaide Zoo,” Mr Harrex said.

“With more than 1600 of the 10,000 bookings already taken across the state, this is an immediate cash injection in our state’s economy as a direct result of the voucher program.

“I urge South Australians with a voucher to book their stay as soon as possible so they can lock in their accommodation and date of choice. And if they don’t get their first preference, try something else because there is plenty of availability and so many properties to choose from.

“The added summer events boom in our state over the next few months, like the Santos Festival of Cycling, Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide, the recently announced A Day at the Drive and Adelaide International WTA500, as well as regional events like Crush Festival and a couple of upcoming long weekends, there are many reasons – including many mid-week nights – to book an SA stay.”

Accommodation providers which have proved popular so far, include the Oval Hotel at the top spot for the CBD and North Adelaide, followed by the Mayfair Hotel, Crowne Plaza Adelaide and the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel on North Terrace. Glenelg’s Stamford Grand Adelaide holds the top regional/suburban spot, followed by Bukirk Glamping in the Clare Valley and The Manna by Haus in the Adelaide Hills.

Voucher holders are being reminded that with over 300 participating accommodation providers and a longer time to travel, there are still lots of available rooms and dates across the state. This includes operators across the CBD and North Adelaide such as the soon-to-open Hotel Indigo and Majestic M Suites, the brand-new Eos by SkyCity, Miller Apartments and the Sage Hotel.

Some of those in the regions and suburbs with availability include Oaks Glenelg Liberty Towers Suites, the COAST Motel & Apartments in the popular coastal town of Port Noarlunga, Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Pavilions, Sea Dragon Lodge & Villas in Kangaroo Island, and Abbotsford Country House in the Barossa.

Data from the SATC’s website southaustralia.com, shows over 538,000 unique devices have logged onto the site since vouchers launched, a more than 40 per cent increase on the same period for the first round – indicating there are plenty of people looking for somewhere to stay in SA.

Australians who hold a voucher now have just over two weeks to book a stay – until 11.59pm on 31 January – for travel until 31 March 2021. Book now at: southaustralia.com/voucher.

Top 10 accommodation providers by redemption

CBD and North Adelaide

Regional and suburban