World News – AU – Victoria unveils $ 200 worth of coupons to encourage visitors to the regions

The state government will offer Victoria 120,000 vouchers worth $ 200 each in an effort to stimulate tourism and the regional economy.

Prime Minister Daniel Andrews announced the coupons on Wednesday as part of a $ 465 million tourism package ahead of the state budget next week..

Under the $ 28M Voucher Scheme, residents of Victoria will be eligible for a voucher if they spend at least $ 400 on accommodations, attractions, or tours in the Victoria Regional District.

In an announcement in the Victoria Regional District, Mr. Andrews said Tuesday’s budget will also provide more than $ 149 million to build new visitor accommodations, improve major tourism routes and boost regional tourism..

“Whether it’s a day trip with the family or a tour along our stunning coastline, we’re helping more people to get out and enjoy the best that Victoria has to offer,” said Mr. Andrews..

The design of the voucher system will be finalized with input from tour groups and Mr. Andrews said he expects the scheme to come into operation in time for the Christmas break..

“Hopefully it will be up and running in a few weeks,” he said.

Mr Andrews said the coupons would guarantee 120,000 flights that would not have happened otherwise.

Mr. Andrews said all directly funded infrastructure projects in Wednesday’s announcement will start within 12 months.

The government says it will establish a regional tourism investment fund of $ 150 million to support « nature-based tourism projects, first nations, arts and culture, food and wine. ». .

The CEO of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, Felicia Mariani, said the commitment to funding was very welcome but long overdue..

“This will be a boost to the morale of an industry that has really suffered over the past twelve months from forest fires and the coronavirus,”. “In my memory, I cannot remember such an important package as its investment in the tourism industry.

The latest round of funding includes $ 58 million to increase Visit Victoria’s marketing budget. Mariani said more funding was needed to increase visits to Melbourne, including attracting more business events.

In response to a question about supporting Melbourne’s business, Tourism Minister Martin Bakula said there will be future announcements about major events and other initiatives..

Last month, the state’s opposition called for a government-funded 50 percent discount on regional travel worth up to $ 200..

A number of governments have created voucher schemes to encourage spending in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tuesday’s New South Wales government budget included a pledge to give residents $ 100 in taxpayer money (spread out over four $ 25 vouchers) to spend on dining and entertainment.

In Britain, a voucher scheme encouraging people to visit hospitality places has been criticized for exacerbating the second wave in that country..

Mr Andrews said there would be a « sharp focus » on infection prevention measures within Victoria’s tourism sector.

« There’s a lot of pent-up demand. Melbourne residents are really keen to go out to see provincial Victoria. “They want to travel. They want to eat great food. They want to drink great wine. They want to go out and see the cool sites.

But Mr. Bakula said the funding would provide more opportunities for people to explore the Victoria Regional.

Mr. Bakula said the government would have « more to say » about major events in the coming days and weeks.

Benjamin is The Age regional editor. He was previously the state tours reporter and has also covered education for The Age.

Victoria, Tourism, Daniel Andrews