Bendigo's accommodation providers have told their disappointment in the government's Budget, as sluggish patronage persisted, despite coronavirus restrictions easing last month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Heritage Bendigo's owner Jen Baxter said this is traditionally one of the busiest times of year for the sector.
"Bendigo's recovery is going to be longer than our regional neighbours because we are so reliant on our events," Ms Baxter said.
READ MORE:
"The inability to host events has pushed our sector into crisis."
Bendigo's sparse offering of evening attractions has also drawn Ms Baxter's ire.
"We don't have a light show, we don't utilise our gardens and outdoor areas, so there isn't much to draw people here to stay a night," she said.
Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the Budget will further support the sector and jobs by "stimulating domestic visitation to our tourism regions and encouraging domestic business travel."
An additional $51 million will be provided through the Regional Tourism Recovery initiative, to assist tourism regions highly reliant on international travellers to pivot to the domestic market.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said the money announced for tourism has gone to areas outside Victoria.
"The government has focused on big industry and big players in these sectors and that's what's disappointing," Ms Chesters said.
"They haven't delivered enough support for local small businesses and family businesses in our accommodation sector."
Bendigo Moteliers Association president Kristyn Slattery said Bendigo needs travellers from Melbourne and the border to reopen to give the sector a chance of rebuilding.
"We only have access to about 10 per cent of the state's population once you take out Melbourne," Ms Slattery said.
Tea House Motor Inn's Brent Curran said he has been surprised at the lack of enquiries during the school holidays.
"There are a couple more essential workers around at the moment, but I don't see it changing until Melbourne is opened up," Mr Curran said.