SOUTH Australians have rallied behind the state's bushfire-affected communities, with tourism operators reporting strong bookings in the weeks following the launch of the state government's #BookThemOut campaign.
Operators on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills have reported a spike in inquiries and requests for information as people rally to support businesses and boost regional economies.
South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex described the response to the campaign as a positive first step in getting the sector back on its feet.
"The #BookThemOut campaign was designed with a clear message that we need to get people back to the regions, and to support our communities," Mr Harrex said.
"We are hearing direct from tourism operators that they want visitors back, and to hear that the campaign is already making a difference to their business and the number of bookings they're getting, is a small but critical step forward in the sector's recovery."
Sharon Pearson of Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyards saw 30 cellar-door visitors on a recent Sunday, compared to three the week before.
"It's been great to see people coming back up into the Hills," she said.
"It's been tough for many people in our community, but now we want people to come back, visit us and see how amazing the Hills are."
On Kangaroo Island, Sea Dragon Lodge co-owner Steve Lane said he had been "absolutely inundated with luxury holiday package bookings" - filling the gap left by Southern Ocean Lodge, which was destroyed in December's fires, one of 89 properties scorched.
"Since the fires, we have had over 130 guests stay with us and all of them reported having a wonderful holiday on KI," he said.
Already there are signs of recovery on the island.
The Kangaroo Island Cup was successfully run at Cygnet Creek on February 22, rebuilding has begun and the first shoots of natural regeneration are evident.
Environmental physiologist Dr Peggy Rismiller, a long-time visitor, recently conducted a natural survey of the island. She found signs that young goannas and echidnas were emerging from the firegrounds and sighted a variety of native birds.
The community recently received a much-needed boost with the announcement that Qantas will more than double its flights between Adelaide and Kingscote.
From July, Qantas intends to operate 12 return services a week throughout the year. This is an increase from five return flights a week most of the year, and three return services during off-peak.
QantasLink chef executive John Gissing said the carrier wanted to support the island's recovery.
"Now is the time to be supporting Kangaroo Island, and what Kangaroo Island needs over the months and years ahead is for tourists to come back and a reliable air service is vital for that to occur," he said.
The flights will be operated by QantasLink's 50-seat Q-300 aircraft.
They will be re-timed to enable easy connections through Adelaide for domestic and international tourists visiting the island via Qantas and its partner airlines, including Emirates and American Airlines.
Premier Steven Marshall described the news as "a terrific show of support for the Kangaroo Island community, and a significant investment from Qantas".
The additional flights are now on sale with sale fares starting at $99.
Read more: Kangaroo Island fire officially contained
