Tourism operators taking Coonawarra to the world

COONAWARRA Experiences is proudly flying the flag for South Australia’s Limestone Coast on the international stage, continuing to position the region as a must-visit destination for discerning global travellers.

Following a successful showcase at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE25) in Brisbane earlier this month, co-founders Simon and Kerry Meares are now preparing for two major international trade engagements.

This month, Coonawarra Experiences will travel to Singapore alongside David and Alison Galpin of Warrawindi Escapes, working in collaboration with SATC’s in-country Singapore Manager and Tourism Australia.

The trade mission will highlight the Limestone Coast’s diverse offering of premium agritourism, wildlife encounters, and exceptional food and wine experiences.

Warrawindi Escapes, a new tourism operator to the region offering luxury off-grid farm retreats and regenerative farm experiences, will also join the delegation—an exciting indication of the ongoing innovation and collaboration within the local visitor economy.

Notably, visitation from Singapore nationals increased by 15 per cent year-on-year as of November 2024, with the self-drive market between Victoria’s coastal routes and the Limestone Coast continuing to gain strong traction.

In August, Coonawarra Experiences will join 19 other leading South Australian tourism operators for the SATC New Zealand Roadshow.

With New Zealand remaining one of South Australia’s most valuable inbound markets, the roadshow will present key opportunities to forge new trade relationships and promote the Limestone Coast’s unique offerings—from UNESCO-listed fossil caves and heritage homesteads to coastal 4×4 adventures and wildlife sanctuaries.

These trade missions support the broader goals of the South Australian Visitor Economy Sector Plan 2030, which aims to grow the state’s tourism economy to $12.8 billion and create 52,000 jobs by 2030.

“Our participation in these missions is not just about growth—it’s about representation,” said Simon Meares, co-founder of Coonawarra Experiences. “We’re proud to champion the Limestone Coast and highlight its charm, diversity, and authenticity to international audiences.”

“The response to our offerings at ATE25 was overwhelmingly positive,” added Kerry Meares, co-founder. “With ATE26 set to take place in Adelaide next year, we’re excited at the prospect of welcoming global trade and media to our own backyard and showcasing just how captivating this region truly is.”

To learn more about the experiences currently available, visit: www.coonawarraexperiences.com.au

To explore the new off-grid retreats and hosted farm experiences by Warrawindi Escapes, visit: www.warrawindiescapes.com.au