Victoria’s visitor economy will get a boost with extra marketing and new plans to attract more events, major conferences and more cruise ships to the city, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 provides an extra $51.1 million to attract thousands more visitors from interstate and overseas, as part of Visit Victoria’s work to grow visitor spending to $36.5 billion by 2025, and create thousands of local jobs.
Business events are the most profitable sector of the tourism industry – which is why the Budget will include $21.8 million over two years to bring more of the world’s biggest conferences to Victoria.
The Labor Government is also powering ahead with the $205 million expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which has already helped to secure a massive pipeline of events including the Lions Clubs International Convention in 2024.
An additional $4.5 million will boost Victoria’s Major Events Fund to attract more of the world’s biggest and best cultural and sporting events – from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to the USA Dream Team series.
Port Melbourne’s Station Pier will receive $5.8 million to undertake planning works to grow both domestic ferry and cruise ship operations in Victoria. These services bring in thousands of visitors and are integral to our state’s freight industry.
The Budget will also include $4 million to introduce new authorised ticketing officers who will be able to fine scalpers who target declared major events, as part of the Labor Government’s legislation to better protect fans.
In regional Victoria, an extra $2 million will be provided to help Regional Tourism Boards and Councils grow their local economies and local jobs by attracting new visitors and new events.
The Labor Government has already supported more than 130 events across regional Victoria and our major new tourism campaign, A Twist At Every Turn, is driving interstate visitation and supporting local jobs and businesses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“We’re getting on with attracting new visitors, upgrading our iconic venues and securing the big events
that create jobs and strengthen our economy.”
“More visitors are travelling to Victoria than ever before and we’re investing to keep them coming.
That’s great news for local businesses and tourism operators, and great news for Victorian jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020