Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

01/02/2025

🌐 Empowering Local SMEs Against OTA Dominance 🏨
OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, and Wotif have become digital giants, squeezing Australia’s small and medium-sized accommodation businesses with commissions as high as 30% and restrictive pricing policies. 😓 Plus, platforms like eBay and Amazon are dominating retail. But there’s hope for our local heroes! 🌟
The Impact: These global players have shifted from being helpful market matchmakers to powerhouses that limit the options for our SMEs. Their control over search results forces small operators to rely heavily on OTA listings, and much of the revenue flows offshore, draining Australia's tax base. 💸
Our Solution: Enter Australia App and the South Australia App! These innovative platforms support local SMEs, offering an alternative to OTAs and keeping revenue within Australia. Here's how: ✨ Lower Costs: Minimizing the commission burden so more money stays in the pockets of local businesses. ✨ Better Visibility: Boosting small operators' online presence, without being overshadowed by OTAs. ✨ Support Local Economies: Driving growth and stability by keeping profits circulating locally.
Why It Matters: Australia loses out on millions in tax revenue due to OTA tax strategies. Our apps are about more than booking rooms; they’re about strengthening regional economies and empowering local tourism. 💪
💡 Join Us in Supporting Local Industry 💡 Together, we can make a difference for our communities. Let’s create a thriving future for our local tourism sector. Want to know more? Drop us a message today!
👉

28/01/2025

The Impact of Online Travel Agencies (OTA) Commissions on SA Tourism and the Local Economy
South Australia’s tourism industry has shown resilience and recovery over the past few years, with the 2023-24 annual report from the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) revealing a visitor economy worth $9.9 billion and 40,600 direct tourism jobs. However, amid this recovery lies a significant challenge that directly affects local accommodation and restaurant businesses: the high commissions and booking fees imposed by (OTAs).
While OTAs provide visibility and convenience, the 10–30% commissions they charge on every booking siphon millions of dollars away from the local economy. While these fees are less than 10% of the $9.9 billion, e.g. only 5% that it is $495 million taken directly offshore out of the state economy! More than the total visitor spend in the Barossa was $235M (1400 jobs), Eyre Peninsula $400M, (2900 jobs) Limestone Coast $370M (3000 jobs) Kangaroo Island $141M (1200 jobs) These fees reduce the margins of small businesses, many of which are already operating in tight economic conditions due to rising costs and reduced intrastate and day-trip tourism.
The Flow-On Effect to the State Economy
Here’s the bigger picture:
1️ Reduced Business Revenue: A significant portion of a restaurant or accommodation’s earnings goes directly to OTAs and now table booking platforms, leaving less for reinvestment in staff, facilities, and services.
2️ Leakage of Funds: Many OTAs are foreign owned, meaning a substantial amount of revenue leaves South Australia instead of circulating within the local economy.
3️ Economic Multiplier Effect: Every dollar retained by local businesses has a multiplying effect, supporting suppliers, local jobs, and regional development. High OTA fees undermine this multiplier by diverting funds out of the region.
A Call for Change
To sustain South Australia’s vibrant tourism industry, we must prioritize commission-free platforms that empower local businesses. Imagine if even half of the $1.9 billion in day-trip expenditure was processed through platforms that charge flat annual fees instead of per-transaction commissions. The retained revenue could:
Create jobs.
Support local suppliers.
Invest in better visitor experiences.
Building a Sustainable Future
As we aim to grow the visitor economy to $12.8 billion by 2030, let’s challenge the status quo. By supporting locally owned booking platforms, we can ensure that South Australian tourism revenue stays in South Australia, driving economic growth and enriching our communities.
Let’s have a conversation: How do you think we can strike a balance between digital visibility and fair earnings for our local tourism businesses?

24/01/2025

13/11/2024

🎉 Exciting News: 2024 Semi-Finalist in the Konica Minolta Customer Service Award 🎉
What an amazing surprise to receive in my inbox this afternoon! 🎉 After a year of hard work and dedication, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve been named a 2024 Semi-Finalist in the Konica Minolta Customer Service Award as part of the prestigious 7NEWS SA Community Achievement Awards! 🙌
This recognition is a true testament to the incredible efforts of our team and the impact we are making in the community. It’s a huge honour to be acknowledged among so many inspiring individuals and organisations doing fantastic work across South Australia. 🌟

22/10/2024

🚀 Australia’s Digital Revolution is Here 🚀

The wait is almost over! The new AustraliaApp.com ecosystem is about to change the game for businesses across the nation. Online Australian booking is a $16B business with hundreds of millions each month going offshore through Expedia, Trip Advisor etc. We've built the Australian based option. From the Barossa to the Flinders Ranges, every business now has the chance to capture tourists and locals alike through our listings and an all-in-one booking system.

⚡ New Features:

Immersive tours of your business 🎥

Booking functions for seamless transactions!

Bonus? A free spot in the AustraliaApp.com platform when you join now. 👏

The future of your business is digital. And the future is HERE.

👉 Don’t miss out: AustraliaApp.com Apple and Google Store links

Experience the app beta test, give us your feedback what you want for your business, and help shape the future of this amazing resource.

Apple
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/australiaapp-com/id6535654439

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.australiaapp.app3398hi

10/10/2024

The upgraded SouthAustraliaApp.com is launching soon, and this is our shot at dominating the digital space. Online Australian booking is a $16B business with hundreds of millions each month going offshore through Expedia, Trip Advisor etc. We've built the Australian based option. Whether you’re a restaurant in Adelaide or an adventure tour operator in the Flinders Ranges, our business listing feature and integrated booking system will put businesses right where your customers are.
⚡ Exclusive Features:
🎥 Booking integration for everything from dining to accommodations.
Free inclusion in the AustraliaApp.com—if you act now! 🏃‍♂️💨
The competition is fierce, but YOU can stand out. Your next customer is just a click away. 👇
👉 Register your business today:

07/10/2024

South Australia at Your Fingertips!
📢 Coming soon in 2024! We’ve been enhancing our South Australia app since May 2024. Now available on iOS (updates completed and published), Android (updates in progress, Version 1.10 available), and as a new Progressive Web App. 📱
Discover the best South Australia has to offer—hotels, restaurants, shops, and more—all in one app. Visit southaustraliaapp.com https://southaustraliaapp.com/ or scan the QR code to try it out!
Interested in featuring your business? Contact us for exclusive early registration perks! 💼

05/10/2024

🎉 Be among the First to Try the Australia App! 🎉

We’re excited to announce the beta test of the Australia App has been published – your all-in-one guide to discovering Australia’s best-kept secrets! From local trades and services to dining, shopping, and more, this app will have it all.

Our development team are putting together the next version at the minute. We need your help to perfect it. Join our beta test community and be among the first to experience the app and provide valuable feedback.

Sign up today and be part of something amazing!

Apple 👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/australiaapp-com/id6535654439

Android 👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.australiaapp.app3398hi