While recovery continues from the bushfires that devastated many regions of Australia, the state of South Australia is looking ahead by strengthening their tourism industry. This includes a variety of efforts such as investing heavily in nature based tourism through the Experience Nature Tourism Fund. As the name would suggest, it's there to push concepts related to the regions natural wonders.
South Australia is, not surprisingly, in the southern portion of the continent, sandwiched between pretty much every other state and the ocean. It has stunning beaches, a brilliant food and wine scene, and fantastic cities like Adelaide. These are all great reasons to head to Southern Australia. But it also has incredible natural resources for visitors to explore, particularly the outback landscapes and Kangaroo Island which is just off the coast. There's a lot of see and experience, to say the least.
As such, the government is putting its money where its mouth is through the Experience Nature Tourism Fund. This endeavor has provided finances for both improving tourist offerings as well as promoting those same offerings to tourists. This goes for international visitors in addition to visitors from other parts of Australia. The focus of the fund is on anything of cultural or historical significance, or showcases the state's wildlife and natural beauty. And South Australia has a lot to show off.
The Experience Nature Tourism Fund has gone through three rounds of funding already with the fourth and final round expected in 2025. So far, the improvements to both tourism infrastructure and tourism promotions have reportedly had positive impacts on the nature based tourism industry in the region. The long term impacts will become clear over time, but it does seem that South Australia has increased its tourism profile, both in the country and around the world.