One of Australia�s most visionary tourism identities is set to take the Flinders Ranges to the next level with the purchase of renowned Wilpena Pound Resort from long-term owners and Flinders Ranges� icons, the Rasheed family.

Grant Hunt, head of the new company Anthology the Travellers� Collection, and the driving force behind eco-tourism operator Voyages, recently took ownership of Wilpena Pound Resort, with a view to rejuvenating the property in the next 12 months.

It is the company�s first expansion into South Australia, and signals a major investment in the State and the Flinders Ranges.

South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) Chief Executive Andrew McEvoy said the announcement was a huge bonus for tourism in South Australia.

�Anthology is a new company which has signalled its intention to make real inroads into the high-end tourism industry and for Grant and his team to choose the Flinders Ranges as one of its first major projects is a great vote of confidence for South Australia,� he said.

�This is another example of a major tourism operator that is willing to invest in South Australia. It also reiterates that our tourism industry is well-positioned for growth in the next few years, particularly in iconic regions such as the Flinders Ranges.�

�It also shows that South Australia offers a positive environment for investors. This project was a collaborative effort between a range of government departments to facilitate the deal.�

Mr McEvoy said Grant Hunt had a fantastic track record in developing visionary tourism experiences around Australia and welcomed his investment and commitment to South Australia.

�Anthology is taking over the reigns of one of this State�s leading tourism developments in Wilpena Pound Resort and arguably one of South Australia�s most well-recognised families � the Rasheeds,� he said.

�Keith, Lynette, Dean & Lizzie Rasheed have committed so much to tourism in South Australia and the Flinders Ranges, and were instrumental in positioning the region as one of our leading tourism drawcards.

�The Rasheeds have lived most of their lives in the Flinders Ranges, with their father Kevin Rasheed beginning the business in the 1950s. Their commitment to developing the Resort, and rejuvenating it in the past 10 years has been fantastic.

�While this is an end of an era in one sense, it is the start of a new and exciting era for the region and for the Resort.�

Anthology�s Grant Hunt said Wilpena Pound Resort was the obvious choice for the company�s first move into South Australia.

�We began Anthology with the dream of creating one of the world�s finest experiential travel brands. We want to offer our guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and heritage in rare and interesting locations,� Mr Hunt said.

Wilpena Pound Resort adds to Anthology�s current portfolio, including the iconic Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain Huts Walks, and the historic Quamby heritage estate � all in Northern Tasmania.

�The goal is to build a portfolio catering to the growing demand for quality experiential tourism and we are aiming to grow Anthology to at least 10 or 12 distinctive Australian experiences,� Mr Hunt said. Wilpena Pound Resort fits this style, with is spectacular location in the Flinders Ranges National Park.

Built on the banks of Wilpena Creek, the Resort has a long history in South Australian and Australian tourism.

Andrew McEvoy said the SATC would work closely with Anthology to continue to position Wilpena Pound Resort as a must-see South Australian experience for national and international visitors.

For all media queries, please contact SATC Corporate Affairs Manager Julia Angove on +61 (08) 8463 4610 or +61 (0)434 473 900.