A STATEWIDE peak tourism body has welcomed the extension of a Victorian Government funding stream for the sector.
Late last week, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced a further $62 million would be available as a part of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund grant program.
The new money, for relevant infrastructure projects, has been welcomed by Victoria Tourism Industry Council chief executive Felicia Mariani.
“The $62 million funding announced … by Government will provide an enormous boost to operators across regional Victoria in realising their vision for new and enhanced products and experiences,” she said.
“These developments will in turn serve to attract more visitors, extend their stay in the regions, and encourage greater spend into local economies across the state.
“This funding announcement, when coupled with the $8 million recently announced as part of the Enabling Tourism Fund, brings the Government’s investment in regional tourism infrastructure planning and delivery to $70 million, which will be significant in helping to drive new audiences to explore our regional areas.”
As part of the fund, cash grants between $100,000 and $5 million are available to a range of tourism and accommodation providers, as well as visitor economy focused not-for-profits and First Nations-run enterprises.
Ms Mariani the extra funding is in part to make up for the loss of the proposed Commonwealth Games and comes after lobbying by the tourism sector.
“VTIC is pleased to see that Government has listened and responded to the advocacy we have undertaken on behalf of industry to bolster the resources being made available for infrastructure development in this support package,” she said.
“The RTIF program is one of the most successful grant programs that works to underpin the efforts of our sector in creating memorable experiences for visitors to Victoria.
“Creating these game-changing experiences in regional Victoria is critical for our state helping to improve dispersal of visitors to regional areas, particularly when it comes to drawing more visitation to our regional areas from interstate and international travellers to Victoria.”
In mid-2022, $500,000 from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund was announced for All Seasons Houseboats so the company could build a six-bedroom wheelchair and all-abilities friendly vessel.
Mr Dimopoulos said the State Government was keen to back more projects that would attract tourists to regional Victoria.
“Victoria’s visitor economy is growing, and we want to ensure that tourism businesses right across the state have the support they need to create projects that attract visitors, boost jobs and secure their future,” he said.
Applications as part of the RTIF are open until July 19.
