A tourism voucher scheme that reimburses Victorian travellers who visit other parts of the state begins on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state government's $28 million Regional Travel Voucher Scheme will offer 120,000 vouchers to help Victorians visit regional areas and kickstart the tourism sectors economic recovery.
From Friday, the first 40,000 vouchers worth $200 each will be available and redeemable from December 12 to January 22.
Victorians who receive a voucher and spend at least $400 on accommodation, attractions or tours during their stay will be eligible to receive a reimbursement of $200 on presentation of receipts.
More news
Additional tranches of vouchers will be made available on January 20 for travel between January 27 and April 1 and on March 30 for travel between April 6 and May 31. Any vouchers not used in the first two rounds will be added to the third round.
Bendigo Tourism board chair Finn Vedelsby urged Victorian's to sign up for the voucher scheme.
"This money will encourage people to travel intra-state from region to region from metropolitan to regional areas as well," he said. "It's a first in, best dressed thing, so make sure you jump on board.
"This just gives another incentive for people to visit the regions. It's a pretty well thought out, never-been-done-before scheme, which in my opinion, will see money will go where it's needed.
Mr Vedelsby said the scheme would support all aspects of the tourism industry.
"Any support form state government for our accommodation providers is much needed," he said. "They have been some of the hardest hit small and family-owned buisinesses.
"It also means people can visit attractions as well as tours, which have also been really punished by the pandemic."
Mr Vedelsby highlighted organisations like the Bendigo Motels Association who had worked hard to recover income as the state opened up.
"The Bendigo Motel Association had a really proactive pay now, stay later campaign before this (voucher scheme), which has been amazing," Mr Vedelsby said. "We are already seeing people coming to town making reservations all the way up to mid next year."
The $28 million scheme is part of the state government's $465 million Victorian Tourism Recovery Package. It is open to Victorian residents aged 18 or over when they spend a minimum $400 on accommodation, experiences or tours in regional Victoria in specified periods.
"This year more than ever, Victorians deserve a holiday - these vouchers will make that cheaper and easier for families to get out and support their state," Tourism, sport and major events minister Martin Pakula said.
"A bit more money in people's pockets means they can see more and do more in regional Victoria - helping local businesses and the people and communities they support to bounce back."
"Whether it's a trip to a winery region or a tour along one of our stunning stretches of coastline, you can't take a wrong step in regional Victoria."
Vouchers are limited to one per household and travellers must spend at least two nights in paid accommodation in regional Victoria to qualify for the scheme. For more details visit www.business.vic.gov.au/travelvouchers