THE State Government is backing Victoria’s regions through new projects to help boost the visitor economy.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos has announced the successful recipients of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.
Member for Bass Electorate Jordan Crugnale has congratulated three successful recipients who have received funding through the fund. This fund is part of the $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund to create more jobs, support our important tourism businesses and attract more visitors to experience all that is on offer across regional Victoria.
Phillip Island Winery will use its funding to replace and enhance the existing cellar door restaurant, that will increase capacity, improve functionality, and enhance accessibility and connectivity throughout the venue. The project also seeks to build on the winery's already established reputation by elevating the cellar door restaurant offering within an inclusive landscaped environment that complements the natural amenity of Phillip Island, Millowl.
“Our region is such a stunning part of Victoria, and projects like this go towards supporting local establishments to elevate and accentuate their offerings, which benefits the local economy, boosts tourism and creates jobs,” said Ms Crugnale.
Other recipients include Silverwater Resort will use their funding towards conference accommodation, providing 16 innovatively designed three-bedroom apartments that can be converted into 32 separate apartments to suit consumer demand.
The RACV Inverloch Resort will use its funding to build an additional 36 guest rooms with associated car parking, relocate an existing two-bedroom self-contained villa, and construct a new wastewater detention storage system. Building upon the success of the RACV’s 4.5-star Inverloch Resort, the project proposes enhancements to diversify and supplement the current accommodation offering.
The businesses join a host of operators around the state to receive grants of between $100,000 and $5 million to deliver new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects designed to attract more visitors to Victoria’s regions – and increase the length people are staying in the regions.
The Fund will help strengthen and grow Victoria’s tourism industry and is a key part of the Labor Government’s Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan that outlines five priority areas, including First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature.
To see a complete list of the projects, visit tourism.vic.gov.au.