Money opens the gate for visitors

CASH from the State Government’s Visitor Servicing Fund will support a new tourism program which is set to have a focus on the wider Goldfields region.

A new Goldfields Gateways project aimed at helping visitors plan a trip to the broader Victorian golden triangle has been funded.

As part of the initiative $625,000 has been allocated to cover the creation and installation of new itinerary suggestions, as well as physical and digital signs.

These signs will be located at six tourism attractions across the Goldfields, which takes in the Ballarat, Bendigo, and Maryborough regions, and nearby Daylesford-Macedon area.

Featured landmarks in the project include the Ballarat Station and Bendigo arts precincts, and Hanging Rock in Woodend.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, toured the Ballarat Station precinct last month, which will be a feature of the initiative.

“By delivering exceptional visitor information, we can encourage visitors to spend more and stay longer by providing high-quality, personalised and timely information about what to see and do in Ballarat and the Goldfields region,” she said.

“This funding will assist tourism operators to access new technologies that will provide an improved experience for visitors.”

Thirteen projects are benefiting from the $3 million Visitor Servicing Fund.

Goldfields Gateways is a beneficiary of its B stream, providing grants to municipalities and tourism organisations to boost visitor information, and the booking and planning experience.

The A stream is supporting nine regional Victorian projects in areas including the Yarra Ranges and Strathbogie Shire, with grants of up to $50,000 provided.