Heritage tourism boosted in SA’s regions

Grants of between $5,000 and $15,000 have been awarded to 13 businesses under the new Activating Heritage Tourism Small Grants program.

Successful projects include the development of the Eyre Peninsula’s first cultural tour in Port Lincoln, new heritage tours at the historical Yalumba distillery in the Barossa Valley and the creation of a storytelling bush tucker garden at Wadna.

A total of $147,794 was awarded through the partnership between the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and the Tourism Industry Council SA (TiCSA).

Applicant contributions will see projects have an overall value of about $250,000.

In 2023, tourism contributed $10.1 billion to the South Australian economy, with $1.2 billion of that attributed to heritage tourism.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Tourism and Commercial Services Director, Jo Podoliak, said heritage tourism connected visitors to our state’s character and way of life.

"It is a testament to our state’s diverse history, and the businesses which are telling our stories, to see such an amazing range of experiences receiving these funds.

"These grants will give tourism businesses and attractions a ‘hand up’ so that they can creatively engage visitors in our stories."

TiCSA Chief Executive Officer Shaun de Bruyn said the council had loved partnering with the State Government to deliver this grant program.

"As the peak body for tourism operators across SA, we are passionate about building the capability of our diverse industry," he said.

"About 95 per cent of tourism operators are micro or small businesses, while heritage organisations are predominantly not-for-profit, volunteer-based organisations - so keeping up with evolving customer expectations is not something they can usually do on their own.

"The high level of engagement and the diversity of businesses that have participated in the program shows the breadth of incredible stories we have to share as a state."