A SIGNIFICANT new tourism initiative will soon be introduced to the Light Regional area.
The ‘Drovers Way Drive Trail’ will link local towns and tourism experiences and aims to significantly boost regional visitors and expenditure, as well as encourage new business development and investment on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative has the support of council’s elected members, who last week agreed to allocate $62,000 towards its development, as well as $36,000 over the next two years for ongoing maintenance and marketing.
The expense will be covered by unused Financial Assistance Grant funds and so council’s existing 2020/21 budget will be unaffected.
In a report to council, tourism development manager Liz Heavey said the project had potential to provide long-term ongoing economic benefits to the region.
“Visitors want experiences – of the life, the history, the people, the natural environment, the food and produce and the culture of the places they go,” she states.
“One of the best ways to create these experiences is through the development of tourism trails.
“Drovers Way will create a connection to place, a reason to visit, give an itinerary of interesting places to visit and induce visitors to spend more time (and money) in the Light Region.”
It has been estimated that total tourism spend could increase by $3.8 million, up to $21.4 million over the next three years.
Visitors would increase by 10 per cent a year, to almost an extra 50,000 tourists by year three.
“Beyond the benefit of exposing the region to potential new residents and businesses exist numerous other advantages such as economic, tourism and social rewards,” Ms Heavey’s report states.
“The Drovers Way business case gives clear indication it will be a lucrative economic investment and deliver opportunities for growth of the visitor economy for Light Region while supporting existing businesses for years to come.”
Existing plans for the trail have the option for it to be completed in its entirety or in three sections, with some areas able to be walked or cycled.
The northern loop will connect Kapunda, Allendale North and Bagot Well; the Barossa loop, Adelaide to the Barossa and Kapunda; and the western swing will link Adelaide, Roseworthy, Freeling and Kapunda.