In a strategic move to bolster tourism in regional Victoria, the Allan Labor Government has unveiled a new initiative. Dubbed the Regional Tourism Network Industry Strengthening Program, it will provide crucial funding and support to regional tourism operators, empowering them to enhance their operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
The program will inject up to $100,000 into each of Victoria’s 12 Visitor Economy Partnerships and Regional Tourism Boards, totaling a substantial investment. This funding aligns with the government’s commitment to fortify the tourism sector through comprehensive training programs designed to refine business operations. These programs encompass aspects ranging from digital content creation on websites and social media to implementing sustainable practices and developing accessible tourist experiences for all visitors.
This initiative builds upon previous successes, such as the appointment of a digital mentor by Yarra Ranges Tourism. This initiative alone resulted in over 275 training sessions for local businesses, empowering them to effectively market their services online and distribute their products. To date, more than 2,000 tourism businesses in Victoria have reaped the benefits of such government-facilitated training and capacity-building efforts.
The funding for this program stems from the broader $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund. This fund is dedicated to sustaining and expanding regional tourism by introducing new events, enhancing local attractions, and bolstering accommodation options for tourists. This strategic investment ensures that Victoria’s regional tourism continues to thrive, attracting an influx of visitors and generating additional employment opportunities.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Our Regional Tourism Boards and Visitor Economy Partnerships play a pivotal role in supporting businesses to provide the world-class visitor experiences that people have come to expect from Victoria.”
The minister further elaborated, “We’ve listened to the tourism industry’s expressed need for more robust support for infrastructure and development activities. This program aligns seamlessly with the recent Regional Tourism Investment Fund and Enabling Tourism Fund to deliver precisely that.”
