South Australia is rolling out a $15 million dining incentive program aimed at revitalising coastal hospitality businesses impacted by an algal bloom that has damaged tourism in the region heading into what should be their busiest season.
The Coast is Calling Dining Cashback program will provide 300,000 South Australians with 50% cashback up to a maximum of $50 per person at participating coastal restaurants and hospitality venues across the state.
The initiative is part of the State Government’s Algal Bloom Summer Plan, co-funded by the Commonwealth Government.
The program will run through five monthly draws, with the first public ballot opening on 3 November. The draw will take place on 10 November, with 60,000 winners receiving dining cashback offers valid through to 7 December.
Additional draws of 60,000 cashbacks each will be held at the start of December, January, February, and March, with vouchers valid for use within that month.
South Australians can register for the ballot throughout the program, with unsuccessful entrants automatically rolled into subsequent draws unless they opt out. Winners will receive a unique code and must upload their tax invoice from a participating business to claim the 50% rebate.
Eligible participating businesses include restaurants, cafés, pubs, clubs, and takeaway venues such as fish and chip shops located in designated coastal postcodes. Business registrations will open on 20 October and will remain open throughout the program’s duration.
The dining cashback program is part of a broader $20 million investment that also includes 30,000 ‘Coast is Calling Travel Vouchers’ for accommodation and experiences, with a ballot opening 1-3 December, and an extension of the ‘Coast is Calling’ marketing campaign.
“Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a meal on our spectacular coast, and the Coast is Calling Dining Cashback will make that even more affordable for South Australians,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said in a statement. “These two schemes will provide a vital boost to coastal tourism and hospitality businesses feeling the effects of the algal bloom.”
The timing is critical for coastal operators heading into what would typically be their busiest season during the Australian summer months. The program aims to drive local patronage and help businesses recover during this crucial peak trading period while the region works to restore confidence in its coastal tourism offerings.
Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell acknowledged the challenges facing hospitality businesses: “I know firsthand just how hard our hospitality businesses work, often managing uncertainty, cancellations, and costs – even in peak periods. This is one example of how the Federal and State Governments together are delivering for those businesses and the thousands of workers that they employ.”
Full program details and terms and conditions are available at: https://tourism.sa.gov.au/support/campaigns/dining-cashback.
