Published: 16 May 2024
Regional Victoria’s visitor economy is set to benefit from a new round of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund that will create innovative tourism infrastructure projects.
Applications are now open for the Regional Tourism Investment Fund. The fund will help to deliver a strong pipeline of demand-driven tourism infrastructure projects across the state.
Grants between $100,000 and $5 million are open to tourism businesses, not-for-profit and Traditional Owner organisations.
The fund is guided by the 5 priorities identified in the Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan. These priorities include First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature.
Examples of eligible projects include new cellar doors and distilleries, museums and galleries, and food and wine experiences. Adding to the great escapes already in Victoria, projects could also include accommodation uplift, wellness retreats and the development of cultural and nature experiences.
The grants will be delivered in 3 streams:
- $100,000 to $1 million for small-scale projects
- $1,000,001 to $5 million for large-scale projects
- $500,000 to $2 million for accommodation improvement projects.
Phillip Island Nature Parks is one of the recipients of the previous round of grants. As one of Australia’s most popular wildlife attractions, it attracts over 900,000 visitors a year. The Penguin Parade will be getting a $5 million upgrade.
The upgrades will include a new accessible boardwalk with penguin viewing stands and additional seating to improve the visitor experience.
The works will also protect the penguins’ habitat by reducing erosion from visitors walking in the area. This will help to minimise the impact of visitors on the species.
Applications are now open for the Regional Tourism Investment Fund. Applications close at 2 pm Friday 19 July 2024.
To learn more about the program and eligibility, visit the Regional Tourism Investment Fund page.
