Tourism News

TIGER AIRWAYS ARRIVES IN ADELAIDE

The first Tiger Airways flight roared into Adelaide from Melbourne on 10 January, bringing with it cheap flights and a boost for the State’s tourism industry.

Premier Mike Rann says the new Tiger flights – with airfares as low as $9.95 one-way – are set to lure more Victorians over the border for a holiday in South Australia.

“Before flights even started, almost 50,000 tickets for Tiger Airways flights between Melbourne and Adelaide were sold – and half of them were bought by Melburnians.

“This demonstrates how Tiger Airways’ twice-daily new flights will make our State an even more attractive holiday destination for the Victorians who make up almost half of South Australia’s interstate visitors.

“The demand for flights into Adelaide is very strong and it’s important we keep pace with that demand so interstate visitors can easily and affordably travel by air to South Australia for a holiday.

“The State Government has worked closely with Tiger Airways to entice the low-cost carrier to Adelaide and we will continue to work with airlines to make sure the number of flights into our State keeps pace with demand as our tourism industry forges ahead.

“The new Tiger flights come on the back of Jetstar’s decision to double its Sydney-Adelaide flights to become twice-daily from last month.

“Air New Zealand will next month introduce daily Auckland to Adelaide flights, taking to 28 the number of international flights arriving at Adelaide Airport each week – up from 13 in 2003.

“Spending by domestic visitors is up 11% to a record high $3.8 billion, with the latest figures showing the highest growth is in visitor spending in the regions.

“During 2006-07, passenger numbers at Adelaide Airport were at record levels, with domestic numbers up more than six per cent to 5.3 million, and regional passenger numbers up almost 15%.

“Adelaide Airport also recorded a 27% increase in the number of international passengers in 2006-07, the highest increase among Australia’s airports.

“Every time new flights are introduced the response from the travelling public is immediate. It shows there is still more opportunity for growth in flight numbers and routes into our State.

“South Australia has the potential to really increase its share of the interstate tourism markets and new, affordable airline capacity is a key to this.”

Premier Rann says extra domestic flights are also important for international visitors who arrive in another capital city and look for an affordable and convenient connecting flight into Adelaide.

For more information please call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.

 

SA'S LARGEST REGIONAL HOTEL LAUNCED

The most significant regional hotel development ever built in South Australia, the Port Lincoln Hotel, was launched by Premier Mike Rann on 30 January.

Premier Rann says the new hotel represents a boon for tourism on the Eyre Peninsula.

“This is a region with huge potential for tourism growth, and the Port Lincoln Hotel will certainly contribute to boosting visitor numbers across the Eyre Peninsula,” he says.

“The $55 million, 111-room hotel will give tourists the opportunity to stay in luxury while enjoying some of the world’s best eco-tourism and coastal experiences, as well as discovering the region’s famous seafood.

“It has been Sam Sarin’s vision and commitment that has brought the hotel to life – an outstanding legacy for his home town. His front of house team Mark Ricciuto, Simon Goodwin, and Peter and Jenny Hurley are also to be congratulated for their part in launching this landmark accommodation.

“The Eyre Peninsula has been in need of a significant hotel and this development confirms the confidence investors have in the region’s tourism industry.

“It also provides valuable employment opportunities, creating around 120 jobs in Port Lincoln.

The Premier says the Port Lincoln Hotel – which the South Australian Government supported with a $200,000 grant for landscaping – is the largest among a number of important recent tourism developments on the Eyre Peninsula.

“The SeaSA Ferry between Wallaroo and Eyre Peninsula’s Lucky Bay has already carried more than 82,000 passengers in its first year, and is planning to expand its operations with another ferry this year.

“The Best Western Ceduna Foreshore Hotel/Motel has undergone a $6.5 million redevelopment, while Tourism Eyre Peninsula has launched a Seafood & Beyond Rewards Card that allows visitors to experience the region’s seafood and aquaculture attractions through tours, discounts and rewards.

“All these developments are helping to put the Eyre Peninsula on the world stage as a tourism destination, and the latest figures show overseas visitor numbers to the region are up 27%.

“Overall, Eyre Peninsula attracts a total of 373,000 overnight visitors each year who stay 1.5 million nights in the region – accounting for 12% of all visitor nights spent in regional South Australia.”

The official opening of the Port Lincoln Hotel was attended by 200 guests, who enjoyed a gala dinner showcasing Eyre Peninsula seafood, a performance by young South Australian of the Year and acclaimed violinist Niki Vasilakis, and a blessing by Local Priest, Father Quinn. The night culminated with a fireworks display over Boston Bay.
 

For more information please call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.

BOOSTING TOURISM ON SA'S MURRAY RIVER

Supporting the tourism industry along South Australia’s Murray River by boosting visitor numbers is the aim of an advertising campaign to be launched this month.

The latest phase of the Recharge on the Murray River campaign comes at a time when it is vital for regional economies to get the word out that the Murray is still one of the best places to spend a summer holiday, South Australian Tourism Commission Chief Executive Andrew McEvoy says.

“There is still a perception that dry conditions mean river levels are too low for houseboats and other holiday activities along the River and lower lakes – which is certainly not the case,” Mr McEvoy says.

“Although visitor numbers to regions along the Murray have been good during the peak Christmas and New Year period, the worries about water levels mean bookings beyond February are down for some operators.

“That is hurting regional economies already coping with the drought, and it’s important to make sure the public knows that there is still plenty of water to cruise the River and to enjoy other on and off water experiences as highlighted in the Recharge on the Murray River Guide.

“This latest phase of the Recharge campaign, which will run from February to March, will highlight the lower Murray River in the Fleurieu Peninsula through advertisements on the backs of Adelaide buses and a lift-out in The Advertiser.

“While it is true that water levels have dropped in the Murray’s Lower Lakes and waterways near the Murray Mouth, levels in the main channel at Goolwa are still suitable for jet skiing, canoeing, sailing and fishing.

“With the temperature in this region often much cooler than in Adelaide, and wineries and the beach so close, this is the perfect spot to spend a summer holiday.

“This is also the time of year when a whole host of migratory birds from as far away as Siberia flock to this part of the River, providing another attraction for bird watchers and nature lovers.

“The Recharge on the Murray River lift-out, to be inserted in The Advertiser on 6 February, will include five special deals for River holidays around Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island, as well as holiday deals for the Murraylands and Riverland.”

Mr McEvoy says a house boating holiday in either the Murraylands or Riverland is another great way to leave the city behind and beat the heat.

This is the third year of the Recharge on the Murray River campaign, which sees South Australian tourism operators, Murraylands Tourism Marketing, Riverland Tourism Association and Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism join forces with the South Australian Tourism Commission to promote the Murray River in South Australia.

The centerpiece of the campaign is the Recharge on the Murray River Guide, which is available now from the South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre. Call 1300 655 215 or visit southaustralia.com.

For more information please call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.

KANGAROO ISLAND IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Tourism operators on Kangaroo Island are urging holiday-makers to continue to visit the Island in the wake of recent bushfires.

Forward bookings on Kangaroo Island have dropped since the bushfires – despite the fact that many of the Island’s key attractions have not been impacted upon.

Tourism is a key economic driver for Kangaroo Island and will be vital in the region’s ongoing recovery from the bushfires.

Following the fires, Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith encouraged people to keep their future holiday plans on Kangaroo Island.

“Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island and the area affected by bushfires represented less than a quarter of the island’s total size,” Minister Lomax-Smith says.

“None of the major towns or tourist attractions on the island have been affected by these bushfires, and it is very much ‘business as usual’ for the tourism industry.”

“There is absolutely no reason to cancel your Kangaroo Island bookings and we encourage people to consider the island for future holidays.

“This is a community that relies on tourism dollars to survive, and the best way that South Australians can show their support is to keep their reservations for summer and beyond.”

Meanwhile, operators are developing their own marketing strategies to continue to entice visitors to Kangaroo Island.

SeaLink has recently releases more than 1,000 ferry tickets to travel to and from the island for $5 each as part of its “Fare Go Sale”.

The sale has been released in order to assist in the recovery of tourism to Kangaroo Island, following the bushfires in early December.

SeaLink’s Jeff Ellison says Kangaroo Island has already started to rejuvenate and February and March are great months to visit.

“On February 14-16, the Coopers Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival will be held, with two race meetings and the Ozone Seafront Hotel Street Party. Then, before you know it, Easter is upon us. The weather is superb, the fish are biting and the beaches are spectacular,” Mr Ellison says.

The fares are on sale from Friday 25th January to February 9th 2008 and are available for travel to the 31st March 2008. The fare is applicable to Adults and Children and there will be a $2 extra per person charge for phone bookings. There are limited numbers of fares available on selected services.

SeaLink operate up to 24 services a day during peak periods between Cape Jervis, 110kms south of Adelaide and the township of Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. They operate two, luxury passenger and vehicle ferries and the trip takes 45 minutes.

Bookings can be made online at www.sealink.com.au

For more information or media queries, call Julie-Anne Briscoe, National Sales & Marketing Manager, SeaLink Travel Group 08 8202 8699 or 0408 695 413

 

LUXURY TOURISM RESORT ALMOST OPEN

The anticipation surrounding the opening of South Australia’s newest luxury resort – Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island – is reaching fever pitch, with the launch now only two months away.

The $12 million lodge is the brainchild of James and Hayley Baillie and signals the start of a new era in high-end accommodation on Kangaroo Island and also South Australia.

Interest in Southern Ocean Lodge is already high, with international visitors booked to stay into next year.

In addition, the resort is completely booked for its opening night on March 29.

Located on pristine Hanson Bay, Southern Ocean Lodge is nestled among bushland on the south end of the Island, and is in close proximity to Flinders Chase National Park.

Suite rates start at $900 per person per night, with the cost for the most luxurious suite, which includes amazing views of the coast and bush, costing $1800 per night.

The cost includes all meals, beverages, nature-based activities and other services offered through the lodge.

James Baillie says Southern Ocean Lodge will boost “top end” accommodation in South Australia and will also further enhance the Island’s international reputation, which continues to grow.

Late last year, Kangaroo Island was ranked the best island in the Asia Pacific region in the US issue of National Geographic Traveller.

The survey of the world’s top island tourism destinations ranked Kangaroo Island equal fifth in the world – ahead of Fraser Island, Hawaii, the Greek islands, Tasmania and the Maldives – out of 111 islands.

A panel of 522 experts ranked the islands by comparing their commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving the environment for future generations of tourists. The results were published in the magazine’s November/December issue.

Kangaroo Island is widely regarded overseas as “Australia’s Galapagos”, with easy access to native wildlife and spectacular forms of nature.

The National Geographic Traveller survey results were the latest in a series of US accolades for Kangaroo Island.

Late last year, Kangaroo Island was also voted Best Australian Experience by 8,500 North American travel agents at the industry’s annual Opal Awards.

And US travel industry members voted high-end, nature-based tour company, Exceptional Kangaroo Island, as Best Australian Experience at the OzTalk travel trade convention in California recently.

All of this recognition will continue to help the island recover from last year’s bushfires and ensure it remains “top of mind” for visitors.

For more information please call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.

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