The state government on Saturday announced an additional 30,000 vouchers would be available to residents, after the Business Victoria website crashed on Friday due to high demand.

People would be able to register for the new $200 vouchers from Monday.

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Bendigo Motel Association president Kristyn Slattery said the additional vouchers were welcome.

"The vouchers promote exactly what we need to encourage people to explore our beautiful region," she said. "But one thing that is missing from the campaign is that the voucher should be for direct bookings.

"That would support small businesses who have been so severely hurt this year and it would also keep the money in Australia.

"We know the money for big third-party travel sites mostly goes offshore.

"This scheme is about regenerating business in Victoria, but without the requirement to book direct, some of the money is not staying in the state."

Ms Slattery, who owned and managed the Julie-Anna Inn in Bendigo, said people should book directly though their chosen motel via phone or online.

Read more: Tourism voucher scheme encourages Victorians to holiday in their own state

If the accommodation was part of a broader motel chain, people could also book through that company's website.

Ms Slattery said another alternative was the local tourism booking channel.

"Booking direct needs to be a key message," she said. "We are small businesses, largely family-run, who rely on people booking with us.

"It's sad when we pay big commissions that go offshore."

Ms Slattery said it had been a challenging year for the region's motels with many businesses under financial and emotional stress. But she said the outlook was starting to improve.

"We're not out of the woods by a long shot," Ms Slattery said. "The devastation of losing business this year doesn't get rebuilt in one quick travel voucher scheme.

"But it's certainly a great support and a start. We're certainly seeing an increase in guests - a lot of people who were just desperate to get out of Melbourne.

"We're relying on the country to continue to do the right thing to allow us to keep going. It's exciting to see attractions open again. There's definitely a sense that Bendigo is bouncing back."

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