A subsidised program to support South Australian tourism businesses become trade-ready through expert-led workshops, mentoring, and pitching opportunities with Tourism Australia and international trade partners.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Distribution Ready Program?
The Distribution Ready Program (DRP), delivered by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), is designed to help tourism operators in South Australia successfully work with domestic and international travel trade partners. It equips businesses with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to sell their experiences to broader visitor markets.
The program includes peer-to-peer learning, expert mentoring, and participation in key trade events, all aimed at preparing operators for the Australian Tourism Exchange (Adelaide, 2026).
Up to 15 South Australian tourism businesses will be selected for Intake 2, which runs from August to October 2025.
Distribution Ready Program level of support
Cost to the operator:
Participants must pay $500 + GST per business.
Co-contribution requirement:
Yes — in addition to the program fee, businesses must cover the cost of an additional delegate (if attending Module 3), and contribute time and effort for in-person training and preparatory tasks.
Minimum and maximum funding:
This is a subsidised program. SATC covers major program costs, including:
- Flights and accommodation for the primary delegate for Module 3
- Expert mentoring and materials
- One ticket per business to the 2025 Global Markets Industry Forum
- $250 subsidy toward first-year ATEC membership (optional)
Distribution Ready Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Training Schedule:
Module One – Trade Overview
- Location: Adelaide
- Group 1: Tuesday 19 August 2025
- Group 2: Thursday 21 August 2025
Module Two – Trade Events and Experts
- Location: Adelaide
- Group 1: Wednesday 3 September 2025
- Group 2: Thursday 4 September 2025
Module Three – Trade Immersion (with Tourism Australia)
- Location: Sydney
- All participants: Tuesday 21 – Thursday 23 October 2025
Distribution Ready Program objectives
- Develop trade-ready tourism products
- Equip operators with pricing, pitching, and marketing knowledge
- Establish direct connections with trade partners and Tourism Australia
- Support participation in trade events aligned with ATE (Australian Tourism Exchange) eligibility
Projects and expenditure eligible for Distribution Ready Program support
This program supports tourism businesses that are:
- Offering innovative, bookable tourism experiences
- Interested in engaging with domestic/international travel trade
- Developing or enhancing trade resources and pricing models
- Targeting SATC-aligned brand pillars and international markets
Ineligible expenditures:
- There are no specific ineligible expenditures listed. However, organisations such as government bodies and regional authorities are not eligible to apply (see eligibility section below).
Other Distribution Ready Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Distribution Ready Program support
South Australian tourism businesses that:
- Have a current ABN (registered for at least 12 months)
- Operate under a business/marketing plan
- Are willing to offer up to 25% commission
- Use a channel manager
- Have a current Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listing
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Distribution Ready Program assessment criteria
Mandated Criteria (must be met):
- Registered ABN with 12+ months trading
- Business and marketing plan
- Willingness to pay up to 25% commission
- Use of channel manager
- Existing ATDW listing
Weighted Criteria (preferred applicants):
- Uses at least one Online Travel Agent (OTA) or existing trade partner
- Demonstrated interest in international distribution
- Product alignment with SATC brand pillars:
– Aboriginal tourism
– Agritourism
– Food and wine
– Nature-based tourism
- Alignment with SATC’s target international markets
Note: No specific percentages or scoring weights are given.
How do I get the Distribution Ready Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the program. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Distribution Ready Program application
Before applying, ensure you have:
- A current business plan (with financial and marketing sections)
- An ABN (min. 12 months registered)
- A completed rate sheet and pricing review
- Willingness to commit to all program dates
- ATDW listing and channel manager usage
- Time and resources to attend in-person modules and Sydney trade event
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Distribution Ready Program
Applications must be submitted via the Business Response Form available via the official SATC website.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Distribution Ready Program resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Program?
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