Message from the Tourism Minister

From Andrew's Desk

Port Lincoln Hotel Snares Hotel of the Year

Just seven months after its grand opening, the Port Lincoln Hotel has proved itself a landmark for country South Australia, recognised as the state's hotel of the year for 2008.

The Port Lincoln Hotel, redeveloped by fishing and property businessman Sam Sarin and Adelaide Crows identities Mark Ricciuto and Simon Goodwin, opened in December last year after being destroyed by a fire in 2000.

The new $55 million, 111-room four-star property received the industry's top accolades at the AHA|SA's 2008 Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in July.

Overlooking the coastal settings of Boston Bay and Port Lincoln townships, the diverse property also features conference facilities, gaming room, bottle shop, and a variety of food and beverage outlets including Sarin's Lounge Bar and Restaurant and Sharky's Bar.

AHA|SA General Manager Ian Horne said The Port Lincoln Hotel is an achievement that epitomises South Australia's great hotel industry.

"The Hurley Group, together with Mark Ricciuto, Simon Goodwin and particularly Sam Sarin, should be commended for their success. They recognised the capacity to capitalise on Port Lincoln's pristine coastline and world-class attractions, and have taken the risk to invest in this country community so that it can be a catalyst for tourism growth in the region," he said.

The Port Lincoln Hotel also won Best Mid Range Accommodation, and jointly received the Best Redeveloped Licensed Premises - Country together with Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel.

2008 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence Winners

Best Hotel or Pub Accommodation - Park Hotel, Mount Gambier
Best Mid-Range Accommodation - Port Lincoln Hotel
Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation - Hyatt Regency Adelaide
Best Casual/Family Dining - Bellum Hotel
Best Bistro Brasserie (Country) - Renmark Hotel
Best Bistro Brasserie (Metropolitan)  - Stirling Hotel
Best Restaurant (General Division) -  Lion Hotel
Best Restaurant (Accommodation Division) - Hyatt Regency Adelaide
Best Bar Presentation & Service (Country) - Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel
Best Bar Presentation & Service (Metropolitan) - Largs Pier Hotel
Best Retail Outlet (Country) - Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel
Best Retail Outlet (Metropolitan) - Edinburgh Hotel & Cellars
Best Entertainment Venue - Governor Hindmarsh Hotel
Best Sporting Entertainment Venue - Arkaba Hotel Motel
Best Redeveloped Licensed Premises (Country) - Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel and Port Lincoln Hotel
Best Redeveloped Licensed Premises (Metropolitan) - Maid & Magpie Hotel
Outstanding Community Service & Achievement - ALH Group
Best Marketed Hotel - Hilton Adelaide
Best Gaming Venue (Country) - South Eastern Hotel, Mount Gambier
Best Gaming Venue (Metropolitan) - Largs Pier Hotel
Best Training Initiative - Holiday Inn Adelaide
Best Outdoor/Al Fresco Facility - Maid & Magpie Hotel and The Highway
Best Overall Hotel - Port Lincoln Hotel

Huey Cooks up a storm on Yorke Peninsula

In a coup for Yorke Peninsula, celebrity chef Iain 'Huey' Hewitson visited the region in August to film a number of stories for his Channel 10 television show, Huey's Cooking Adventures.

Huey and his team travelled around the region to film various landscapes and cooking segments at tourist attractions and localities on Yorke Peninsula, before heading across to Eyre Peninsula on Sea SA car and passenger ferries.

Yorke Peninsula Regional Marketing Manager Jo Barrie says that securing Huey's Cooking Adventures to visit Yorke and Eyre peninsulas is a real achievement, and a great opportunity for cross regional promotion.

Huey's Cooking Show features in a prime timeslot on Channel 10 and its regionally affiliated stations, allowing Yorke Peninsula to be promoted on a national level,' Ms Barrie says.

The affiliated stations broadcast in New South Wales/ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, and also include Southern Cross Ten within the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill region of South Australia.

Since it first aired in 1997, Huey's Cooking Adventures has achieved national recognition and a loyal viewing public, securing its place in Australian TV culture.

Huey's Cooking Adventures airs on Channel 10, and regional affiliate stations, Monday to Friday at 3.30pm.

Maggie Beer in the Hall of Fame

Barossa foodie legend and passionate local advocate, Maggie Beer, has been inducted into the prestigious Family Business Hall of Fame.

Maggie Beer products received the honour for her excellence in food, becoming a rare example of a first generation entrant to the Hall of Fame.

The Family Business Hall of Fame, conducted by Family Business Australia, celebrates those who have excelled in their fields as state icons. Maggie Beer represents a history of hard work and a love of South Australian regional food.

Maggie and Colin Beer opened their farm shop in 1979, which has since become a tourism icon of the Barossa. Maggie Beer's Verjuice product have also created a global culinary trend.

Maggie Beer today is a household name for gourmet food production, and her Pheasant Farm Pâté is available in just under 2000 retail outlets across Australia.

New Developments on the Fleurieu Peninsula

A new motel has opened in South Australia's antique capital, Strathalbyn.

Other exciting local developments include the opening of two art galleries, coinciding with the launch of the Fleurieu Peninsula Arts Trail brochure. About 50,000 copies of the arts brochure have been distributed to local cafes, restaurants and selected visitor information centres.

The new Strath Motel in the heart of picturesque Strathalbyn, features 23 rooms - all with king size beds, LCD TVs, broadband connections, reverse cycle air conditioning, microwaves and more. With three types of rooms to choose from, ranging from standard rooms to twin and family rooms, there is something for everyone.

Showcasing the best of the region, the new Artel Gallery and Giftware store is centrally located at 211-213 Main Road, McLaren Vale.  Drop in, browse and buy seven days a week between 10am and 5pm.

Look for art works by Kim Thomson and other great South Australian artists at Habitat, a studio / gallery located at 14 Fraser Street, Aldinga Beach.

Yorke Peninsula set to Attract More Visitors

Yorke Peninsula's tourism industry and businesses throughout the region are set to reap the benefits of extra tourists with the launch of the 'Boat Load of Fun' campaign and an exceptional line-up of events across the region in September and October.

Jo Barrie, Regional Marketing Manager says the 'Boat Load of Fun' campaign has been a fantastic initiative to encourage visitors to travel more around the region.  In 2008, 155 local businesses from across the region are involved, with a total prize pool of almost $30,000.

"This is testament to the success of the campaign with not only tourism businesses but also the local service stations, hardware stores and supermarkets seeing direct results of more tourists hitting the shops and generating extra dollars for the local communities," Ms Barrie says.

"With so many fantastic events for people of all ages and interests, we are anticipating an increase in visitor numbers to the Yorke Peninsula.  This augers well for the warmer season ahead, when the region is hugely popular with tourists," Ms Barrie says.

Now in its fifth year, the major prize winner of the Boat Load of Fun competition will take home a Boat Load of Fun prize package worth in excess of $15,000, plus there are three consolation prizes of two nights accommodation.

Visitors can enter the competition by collecting an entry form and two stamps from participating outlets on the Yorke Peninsula.  The major prize is on display at The Farm Shed Museum and Tourism Centre, Kadina.

Yorke Peninsula events during September and October:

The Rotary Farm Shed Markets, 27 September 2008

Yorke Peninsula Rail Tourist Trip, 14, 28 September; 1, 4, 5 and 8 October 2008

Hardwicke Bay Long Weekend Pancake Morning Trash 'n' Treasure, 4 October 2008

Warooka Fair, 4 October 2008

Stansbury Seaside Markets, 4 October 2008

Big Rig Show 'n' Shine, Copper Coast, 4 and 5 October 2008

Stansbury Museum Country Bazaar, 4 and 5 October 2008

Cutloose Coopers Yorke's Classic 2008, 4-6 October 2008

Moonta Open Garden and Craft Festival, 4-6 October 2008

Edithburgh Gala Day, 5 October 2008

Port Broughton Sailing & Boat Club - Rubber Duck Race, 5 October 2008

Southern Yorke Peninsula Agricultural Show, 8 October 2008