Time to travel: Tourists could flock to places like Billabong Ranch, where Jack Acquisto’s favorite pony ride with Blake Cameron. Photo by Steve Huntley
The popular Victorian Travel Voucher scheme returns on Wednesday, with 140,000 vouchers to grab.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula confirmed on Tuesday that the fourth round of the scheme will go live at 2pm on Wednesday 23 March.
The Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme, funded by the Victorian government, offers successful applicants a $ 200 refund if expenses of more than $ 400 are incurred through accommodation, attraction and experience.
Kathryn Mackenzie said that earlier travel voucher schemes have encouraged many tourists to visit the Ecuca-Moama region.
“We know it led to the visit to our region because we saw people taking their reception home,” Ms Mackenzie said.
Pressure for tourists: Community members hope the new Victorian travel voucher scheme will enable tourists to visit popular destinations across Echuca-Moama. Photo by Vivienne Duck
She said the incentives behind the scheme would help the community back after the pandemic, but there was still a way to go.
“Rome was not built in a day. We have to consistently get cash flow into the stores to rebuild where we were before the pandemic,” she said.
She hopes tourists will not be deterred by the cooler weather in the coming months.
“We’re considered probably more of a summer river destination, but what people do not understand is that we have some amazing events throughout the year,” she said.
“We are a beautiful winter destination.”
Vouchers are limited to one per household. To be eligible, travelers must stay in paid accommodation, including hotels, motels, serviced apartments, caravan parks and campsites for a minimum of two consecutive nights.
Those who secure a voucher can claim expenses incurred during the program travel period of April 8 and May 27, 2022.
Ms Mackenzie said there was something for everyone in our region that she hoped would encourage people to visit.
“We are really spoiled for choice in our region. We have wonderful accommodation and we have such a wide range of food,” she said.
“Every weekend when you look at what’s happening, all the pubs have music performances and all our galleries have exhibitions running.”
The 140,000 vouchers that will be released are in addition to the 10,000 travel vouchers that were made available exclusively to eligible seniors via a ballot last week, with 34,047 eligible applications.
To date, more than $ 159 million has been spent under the Victorian Travel Voucher Program for accommodation, tours and experiences throughout the state.
“Our state has some of the best destinations and attractions in the world and we encourage Victorians to discover something new and also support local businesses and jobs,” Mr Pakula said.
“Victorians have accepted travel vouchers, and this fourth round of the program gives them another chance to experience the best that our state has to offer.”
To apply for a Victorian travel voucher when opening applications, visit vic.gov.au/business-stimulus-package
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