City of Greater Bendigo tourism and major events manager Terry Karamaloudis said the current focus should be on intra-state and interstate visitors.

He said in the 2019 calendar year the Bendigo-Loddon region had 4.2 million visitors which included 79,000 international visitors.

"It's not an insignificant amount but when you look at the 4.2 million visitors the in region for same period, (79,000) is not a big number overall," he said. "(Intentional visitors) are certainly valuable and we want to see (that market return but we are more concerned interstate and intra-state at the moment. That market will be competitive and already is.

"The international market has been part of journey for Greater Bendigo, Victoria and Australia. I understand Visit Victoria and Tourism Australia have multiple initiatives in place but for next period of time, that's not an option."

RELATED: Tourism's recovery will rely on central Victoria regions working together

Mr Karamaloudis said he believed nature-based tourism would be a growing market as Victorian's looked for holidays close to home.

"Nature-based tourism is significantly untapped in regional Victoria," he said. "As a state we don't have a nautre-based tourism strategy.

"So we have got to ask what makes our nature-based experiences different to others. There needs to be a way for a regions like Greater Bendigo and it's neighbouring shires to create something unique about its nature-based tourism.

"The answer for me is collaboration with traditional owners of the land in and around our region to explore what we might be able to create."

Mr Karamaloudis said the return of major events would also be a significant part of reviving the region's tourism economy.

"The city hosted more than 100 events in the past two years and that portfolio delivered 130,000 visitors to participates in those event," he said.

"The only reason why that hasn't kickstarted again is because the premier hasn't said we can stage large scale events. But we believe that time is coming and will have a solid base to launch from

"There is no indication from anyone in the state that White Night wont be happening on October 10. We're in lockdown planning for that event. We know what it can produce and we are full steam ahead for October 10 for that one."

Tourism businesses have begun reopening their doors as coronavirus restrictions eased across the state.

"Across the long weekend we had (visiting) people in and around Greater Bendigo," he said. "From the feedback we have had, I understand Bendigo Pottery, the Golden Dragon Museum, our visitor centres and wineries all reported good steady positive visitation.

"The clear majority was daytrippers but it was the first opportunity people had to get out of hibernation, so there was probably a reluctance to stay overnight. (Hopefully) it won't be much longer before people start to book overnight stays and have longer stays.

"(That is why) inter-region collaboration is important. It is vital Bendigo's tourism family collaborates well together, now more than ever. They must come together to make sure the visitor experience is outstanding."