Merilli1885 representing Alexandrina in the international market
Merilli1885 has achieved significant recognition, with owner Sophie Mintz invited to join the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Distribution Ready Program.
This will position Merilli1885 as one of only a small number of operators in the region set up to take international bookings through the Australian tourism marketing framework, creating new pathways into global markets and helping put both the business and Alexandrina on the international tourism map.
Located in Currency Creek, Merilli1885 is an exclusive luxury farmstay set on 90 acres of working farmland. The heritage 1885 stone cottage has been carefully restored into a private, single-booking retreat, offering a high-end, nature-based experience just minutes from the Fleurieu coast.
Merilli1885 has a strong focus on offering extended, bookable experiences, designed to package the stay as a complete tourism offering. Guests can tailor their visit with a range of curated add-ons, from private chef dining and wellness treatments to chauffeur-led winery tours, scenic helicopter flights and locally sourced picnic hampers. These experiences are designed to be pre-booked and seamlessly delivered, creating a structured, high-quality product that aligns with expectations of international travel trade partners.
Participation in the Distribution Ready Program builds the capability needed for this premier accommodation offering to reach global markets, with a focus on how experiences are packaged, priced and presented for international buyers. To better understand what global buyers are looking for when selecting South Australian tourism experiences, Sophie also recently attended the Australian Tourism Exchange in Adelaide, Australia’s largest annual tourism trade event.
Supporting local tourism businesses to grow and reach new markets is a key focus of Alexandrina Council’s Economic Development team. Working closely with our economic development partners including Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism, the South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Industry Council South Australia and the Office for Small and Family Business, we connect operators with the programs, mentoring and networks needed to build capability and progress toward international readiness.
In Merilli1885’s case, for example, our partner the Office for Small and Family Business was able to provide Sophie with tailored advice on programs, funding opportunities and capability-building pathways, including tourism-focused mentoring.
“Merilli1885 has greatly appreciated the support of Alexandrina Council's Economic Development team,” said Sophie.
“Their commitment to championing local tourism and small business, including support via business workshops run at the Business Hub in Goolwa, helps operators like us continue creating unique Fleurieu Peninsula experiences for visitors near and far. We recognise that this support goes beyond individual businesses. When local businesses thrive, the whole community benefits.”
Merilli1885’s successful entry into the Distribution Ready Program demonstrates what is possible for local operators who think globally, and Council is keen to see more businesses follow a similar pathway. Businesses interested in becoming international-ready are encouraged to contact the Economic Development team to discuss opportunities.