South Australia�s reputation as a leader in developing luxury regional tourism experiences has been further boosted with Southern Ocean Lodge�s placing on Travel + Leisure�s �It List� of 30 of the world�s best new hotels and resorts in 2008.

The newly opened $15 million Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island will feature alongside properties from around the world on the prestigious list, including The Peninsula in Tokyo, The Plaza in New York and Le Meurice in Paris.

Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), Andrew McEvoy, says accolades for our luxury tourism experiences will help South Australia attract even more international visitors.

�We already boast a fantastic variety of accommodation options in regional South Australia, and now we can attract more high-end visitors with world-class developments such as Southern Ocean Lodge,� Mr McEvoy says.

�This $15 million lodge offers guests an exclusive luxury travel experience, incorporating the best of South Australia � great food and wine, wildlife, nature and lifestyle.

�It also complements other outstanding regional accommodation developments including the Rawnsley Park Station Eco-Villas (set to double the number of its award-winning eco villas at the end of 2008), and the $55 million 111-room Port Lincoln Hotel, which opened in January this year.

�The Louise in the Barossa underwent a significant redevelopment in 2006, and was also named Australia�s Best Luxury Accommodation at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in February.

�South Australian based Big Blue Air Touring has created an exclusive two-centre luxury experience called Ocean to Outback, highlighting the coastal beauty of Kangaroo Island and the rugged Outback scenery of the Murray River.

�Guests can expect spectacular pristine landscapes, free roaming native wildlife, luxurious accommodation at Southern Ocean Lodge and Portee Station plus fine wining and dining.

�Attracting world-class tourism developments such as Southern Ocean Lodge to South Australia help put us on the world-stage as a tourism destination.�

For further information contact Melissa Humphrey on 0414 317 913.