80,000 lucky Victorian tourists have already snapped up a $200 Regional Travel Voucher as part of the $465 million Victorian Tourism Recovery Package. Initially released on 11th December and 20th January, the first two allocations were snapped up within moments. If you missed out, or if you’re hearing about the scheme for the first time, you have one more chance to apply – round 3 opens at 10 am on 30th March 2021.
The Regional Travel Voucher Scheme encourages Victorians to explore their state with the incentive of $200 to help cover the costs of a holiday within regional Victoria. With tourism operators still reeling from the impacts of the 2019-2020 bushfires and Covid-19 lockdowns, there has never been a more important time to see what our beautiful state has to offer.
Victorian residents over the age of 18 are eligible to apply, with the vouchers limited to one per household. Successful applicants can claim a reimbursement of $200 by providing evidence of spending $400 or more on accommodation, tours, and entry fees to regional attractions between 6th April and 31st May. Vouchers are redeemable after the travel dates, and staying a minimum of 2 consecutive nights in paid accommodation within regional Victoria (including the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, and the Victorian alpine ski resorts) is a condition of reimbursement.
The voucher does not cover the cost of food or drinks (unless they are packaged within an eligible experience, such as a winery tour), fuel or transport, gaming expenses, groceries, or personal items.
Applications must be submitted online and will close once all vouchers have been exhausted. So mark it on the calendar and set your alarm because, if the first two rounds are anything to go by, they won’t last long!
For further details about applying for the Victorian Regional Travel Voucher visit https://www.vic.gov.au/regional-travel-voucher-scheme.
