People and Culture Victoria

Victoria releases over 40,000 travel vouchers to boost regional tourism

Editors Publicspectrum Jan 21, 2021

2 min read

The Regional Travel Voucher Scheme’s latest round will open today with over 40,000 travel vouchers to help boost tourism and support jobs across Victoria.

The first round saw that 70,000 vouchers were obtained, showing the Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, the Surf Coast and High Country as popular destinations.

Victorians that have claimed the vouchers in the earlier round have spent around $1,000 on accommodation, tours or attractions on their trips. They also spent a significant amount of money on petrol, food, supplies and other purchases while on their trips, underlying the significance of the tourism industry to local economies.

“Victorians love exploring their own back yard and these vouchers make it easier for families to get out into our beautiful regions and enjoy a well-earned break,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said.

“More people travelling in regional Victoria means more money over the counter for businesses that are recovering after a very difficult 2020, and more jobs for local workers.”

The second round of 40,000 vouchers will be redeemable for travel between 27 January and 1 April and are available from 10:00 am today. A further round of 40,000 vouchers will become available on 30 March for travel between 6 April and 31 May.

To be eligible, you must be a Victorian resident aged 18 or over and spend a minimum of $400 on accommodation, experiences or tours in regional Victoria during one of the specified periods.

Successful applicants can redeem their voucher after they have travelled and spent their money, ensuring immediate cash flows to regional businesses.

Vouchers are limited to one per household. Travellers are required to spend at least two nights in paid accommodation in regional Victoria to qualify for the scheme.

The Regional Travel Voucher Scheme is part of the $465 million Victorian Tourism Recovery Package. The Package also provides almost $300 million to improve infrastructure in iconic locations including Gippsland, the Great Ocean Road, Wilsons Promontory and the Grampians and invest in new tourism projects.

“These vouchers mean more Victorians have the chance to see more and do more in regional Victoria this summer – helping local businesses and the communities they support, hit hard by the challenges of 2020,” Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said.

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