THE peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events\u00a0industry has given the thumbs up to the recent\u00a0state budget, particularly for the funding support for major projects in the Geelong region.<\/p>\n
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has welcomed the announcement of $153 million under the Geelong Regional City Deal to fund the Geelong Convention Centre and Phase 2 of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan over four years.<\/p>\n
Speaking last week, VTIC chief executive officer Felicia Mariani said it was pleasing to see the state government commit to funding 50 per cent of these two vital projects at the urging of VTIC.<\/p>\n
She said matched federal government funding would enable these projects to proceed.<\/p>\n
Training and education, another VTIC priority, were also well funded with the announcement of 30 apprenticeships and 18 pre-apprenticeships that will see free TAFE courses available to eligible students in priority industries, including hospitality.<\/p>\n
\u201cVTIC is keen to also encourage secondary school students to consider a career in tourism as a key driver of Victoria\u2019s economy,\u201d Ms Mariani said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government\u2019s new Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships Program will allow us to engage at this early level to position our industry as a good career choice.<\/p>\n
VTIC also welcomed Business Events Victoria receiving $800,000 over two years, calling it a win for the state\u2019s only body to specialise in attracting business events into regional Victoria.<\/p>\n
Ms Mariani said while the funding announcements are great for the tourism industry, there were a number of priorities that were not committed to in this budget and VTIC would be advocating strongly on behalf of its members to ensure these positions were satisfied.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile both Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Convention Bureau received additional shortterm funding as part of the budget, longer term funding is certainly required to maintain the state\u2019s competitiveness.<\/p>\n
\u201cVTIC reinforces the importance of ensuring the financial sustainability of the organisations tasked with promoting and driving Victorian tourism.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to working with Government and all parties in the lead up to the election to ensure that our industry priorities are met.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events\u00a0industry has given the thumbs up to the recent\u00a0state budget, particularly for the funding support for major projects in the Geelong region. The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has welcomed the announcement of $153 million under the Geelong Regional City Deal to fund the Geelong Convention Centre and […]<\/p>\n