A plan to provide half price holidays would help boost the south-west’s decimated tourism market Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell says.
The Liberal Nationals’ Road Trip for Victoria plan would offer Victorians a 50 per cent discount up to $200 on tours or accommodation when booking three nights or more.
Ms Britnell said similar programs in other states had been hugely successful and the Andrews Government should implement it in Victoria to encourage people to enjoy what the state has to offer.
“With state and international borders still closed, we need to be encouraging people to holiday in their own backyard,” Ms Britnell said.
“A voucher system providing discounts would help encourage people to come to regional areas, spend a few nights and help stimulate the regional economy.
“We’ve seen forecasts of 5000 job losses in the Great Ocean Road region because of the pandemic – we need to be doing everything we can to reduces those losses and the Government has a role to play in that.
“The Tasmanian voucher program was exhausted in just 40 minutes and has been a huge success in helping the tourism and hospitality sector – Victoria needs to follow suit and implement a similar program.”
Ms Britnell said Road Trip For Victoria was a key part of the Liberal Nationals plan to get the tourism sector Back to Work.
The plan also calls on the State Government to Establish a dedicated $300 million Victorian Tourism Fund to support tourism operators to recover and promote local tourism.
The Liberal Nationals are also calling on the government to provide $400 million to develop and upgrade tourist attractions across Victoria in 2021. This could fast track community supported private investment in tourism infrastructure on private land.
