Forty thousand glossy booklets will make their way around Australian tourism outlets over the coming weeks and months, following the launch of the 2023 Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Visitor Guide booklet.
The 36-page guide will ultimately act as a tool to action global support next year, as the industry makes its way back from the predicted flood damage on our doorstep right now.
Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance Independent Chair Ian Hill has urged the national public to consider the region as a holiday destination in 2023.
“We know South Australians have a deep connection to the magic of the Murray River, so we expect they’ll be keen to start planning and travelling back in our region as soon as possible,” Mr Hill says.
“You only need to open the first page of this beautiful Murray River, Lakes and Coorong tourism booklet to find inspiration and start planning next year’s trip. Whether that be booking a mid-year river cruise on board the iconic Murray Princess, spending time exploring the paddling trails, or heading back to your favourite riverfront holiday house – the choices for an incredible South Australian holiday are endless.
“Importantly, this booklet also showcases all those things people who want to support the region, can still safely do during a flood. This includes planning trips to award-winning destinations like the Coorong National Park, The Bend Motorsport Park, Monarto Safari Park, the six-storey Bridgeport Hotel or the Langhorne Creek Wine Region.
“It also shines a light on the emergence of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve – an ecological wonder that reiterates our position as South Australia’s natural playground.”
Mr Hill urged people wanting to visit the region to pick up their own 2023 Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Visitor Guide from visitor information centres and other tourism outlets across the State – or jump online to themurrayriver.com to view the digital version.
MRLC Tourism Development Manager Bill Nehmy said more than ever before it was critical to continue promotion of the region’s visitor experiences, as off-river operators were still open and needing support during what would normally be their busiest season of the year.
“Right now and into 2023, our region needs the support of South Australians, and in fact, all Australians,” Mr Nehmy says.
“Seeing the Murray River system and experiencing it with the locals during and after the flood will be a moment in history that many of us may never get to see again, and I would encourage people to use the articles, itineraries, images and listings in the new visitor guide to help inspire their next holiday.
“While we all love the on-water activities here, we know that many of them will be off-limits for visitors this summer. However – our region is so much more than that, and this visitor guide showcases that perfectly.
“We are also in the process of releasing a number of experiential-blogs online, which outline the best (and safe) experiences people can have in the region this summer while the water is high. Further, for those who can’t visit, there are also opportunities to make forward bookings for next year, purchase Christmas experience vouchers or buy product packs to help support the region.”
Mr Nehmy thanked the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) and all of the regional operators who have cooperatively invested in the MRLC 2022-23 Major Tourism Campaign which helps fund the visitor guide.
Those keen to visit in 2023 can download the new visitor guide via themurrayriver.com for information and inspiration. Otherwise, people can follow the region on Facebook or Instagram for regular updates on the best ways to explore the region right now.
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