Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Wednesday, November 18, the government would make 120,000 $200 vouchers available for people who spent money in the regions.
To qualify for a voucher, a Victorian has to spend at least $400 on accommodation, attractions or tours.
The scheme is part of a $465 million tourism package to be included in the state budget.
“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,” Mr Andrews said.
“This funding will help tourism businesses bounce back from the challenges of this year.”
Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn Mackenzie said it was a great win for regional Victoria.
“It's fantastic to see the government investing in regional Victoria's recovery,” she said.
“And it's not just operators in town who benefit from this. It gives people who have been through a really rough period of time the opportunity to get away and have a break, while taking in the great sights of regional Victoria.
“For our operators, there is now an audience across the state who have been given an extra incentive to make a journey up to regional Victoria.
“It gets more people through the doors of our accommodation, more people taking tours and visiting our sites, and that's great for the surrounding community.”
Ms Mackenzie said she hoped to see the vouchers accessible for the long term.
“We've had a lot of success in terms of filling bookings until the end of the year,” she said.
“But there is a big challenge when the calendar rolls over. Hopefully there will be further motivation to push people to travel into the new year as well."
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