MORE than 30 ‘captains’ of the Southern Barossa’s tourism and business interests have gathered to discuss their push to get Southern Barossa tourism off the ground in the months ahead.

The gathering was the first of quarterly networking events organised by the Southern Barossa Business Group, established under the auspices of the Southern Barossa Alliance, to further promote the area as a tourism and visitor destination.

SBBC chairman Steve Balch said the event, which was held at Lyndoch’s Barossa Helicopters, was highly successful and provided a great networking focus as Southern Barossa businesses plotted how the region will ‘reach for the sky’ to attract visitors in a post-COVID world.

“As an aviation wag once put it: successful flying relies on all the nuts and bolts working in harmony and in close formation,” he said.

“That’s what we’re encouraging local Southern Barossa businesses to do as we ‘reach for the stars’ to attract visitors.

“And what better place to start our networking events than at Barossa Helicopters.”

Attendees enjoyed a sausage sizzle provided to benefit the local sport group, Dash 4 Cash Barrel Racing.

“Our region has so much to offer, from attractions, cafés, bakeries, restaurants, trades, accommodation, food, providores, personal services – and everything in between,” Mr Balch said

“We are determined to see the Southern Barossa thrive, and an event like this is the first of many business promotions to come.”