Victoria’s regional communities are invited to have their say on the future of tourism across the state following the release of the Regional Tourism Review Discussion Paper.

Launched in March, the Regional Tourism Review aims to find opportunities to better support tourism operators, encourage private investment, create more regional jobs and enhance local communities in Victoria.

“We need to hear the voices of community members and local tourism operators from across regional Victoria, to tell us first-hand the opportunities that exist and challenges they’re facing,” said Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Mr Pakula and Review Special Adviser and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas also confirmed details of an extended consultation stage.

Figures released this week put the value of Victoria’s visitor economy at $30 billion, supporting 214,000 jobs including 86,000 in regional Victoria. 

While regional Victoria has some of Australia’s premier natural, cultural and food and wine attractions, private investment, visitation and spending are below their potential levels.

Visitors to Victoria spend on average 36 cents in the dollar across our regional sectors, below the national average of 43 cents in the dollar. Closing this gap would add $3.8 billion to the Victorian tourism economy.

The Discussion Paper has identified five key themes: strengthening our tourism offering, making the most of marketing spending, supporting industry, enhancing Regional Tourism Boards and better coordinating effort.

A series of regional consultations with tourism industry stakeholders will be held from July to September, while members of the public are invited to make submissions through the Engage Victoria website.

The stakeholder forums will be held in the nine regional partnership areas, starting in Ballarat on Friday, 26 July.

Click here to view the Discussion Paper and have your say before the August 30 deadline for public submissions

See also:

Record-breaking year for tourism in Victoria

Victorian tourism reaches a new milestone

TAA supports Victoria State Budget