The Victorian government has announced that it will give away up to 120,000 vouchers worth $200 each, to encourage more Australians to visit the state and stay in regional Victoria.

Under the new initiative, Victorians will be able to apply for the $200 vouchers, as long as they spend at least $400 on accommodation, tours or other attractions in regional Victoria.

Premier Daniel Andrews unveiled the $465 million Victorian Tourism Recovery Package today, which is aimed to helping the tourism and travel sector in Victoria to recover after months of COVID travel restrictions and the devastating bushfires earlier in the year.

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“Whether it’s a day-trip with the family or a tour along our stunning coast, we’re helping more people get out and enjoy the best Victoria has to offer,” said Premier Daniel Andrews. “This funding will help them tourism businesses bounce back from the challenges of this year – welcoming more visitors and employing more Victorians.”

In a statement, Visit Victoria said that the scheme is expected to be up and running by December, in order to give local businesses a boost as soon as possible and ensure that they begin to feel the benefits this summer, when they need it most.

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The 2020/2021 Victorian Budget will also provide more than $149 million to improve major tourist trails, encourage more people to the region’s world-class food and wine regions and build new accommodation.

Among the improvements, a $47.5 million improvement to infrastructure along the popular Great Ocean Road (including five new swing suspension bridges, which will provide spectacular views of the surf coast), upgrades to the East Gippsland Rail Trail and a $4.3 million package aimed at assisting with the continued growth of the Prosecco Road winery district.

“We asked operators from across the state to tell us how we can make regional tourism even better – we listened and now these initiatives put words into action,” said Regional Tourism Review Special Adviser Mary-Anne Thomas.

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