The Budget included $101 million for the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, including $48.2 million for the redevelopment of the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Phillip Island Nature Parks; $38 million over two years for Visit Victoria Marketing; $20 million over four years for a Regional Events Fund; and $9 million over two years for Business Events.
Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) CEO Dianne Smith said the benefit of drawing more international visitors to regional Victoria is “huge”.
“The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund and the Regional Events Fund will boost the tourism offerings across the state, encourage visitation and help create jobs in regional Victoria,” she said.
“It would be great to see every international 
visitor to Melbourne going to our regions as well.”
The Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) also praised the Budget, but cautioned that more investment was needed if Victoria was to maintain its momentum in attracting visitors.
“The Victorian Budget is a step in the right direction to boosting the investment in the visitor economy and that is something that TTF has long been advocating with the Victorian Government,” said Margy Osmond, TTF chief executive.
“While the Victorian Government is making all the right sounds on growing the State’s visitor economy, there are some question marks on whether Visit Victoria is being given the long-term resources it needs to be competitive with other Australian States.”
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