Tourism peak body welcomes support for Geelong projects

THE peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry has given the thumbs up to the recent state 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 Phase 2 of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan over four years.

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.

She said matched federal government funding would enable these projects to proceed.

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.

“VTIC is keen to also encourage secondary school students to consider a career in tourism as a key driver of Victoria’s economy,” Ms Mariani said.

“The government’s 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.

VTIC also welcomed Business Events Victoria receiving $800,000 over two years, calling it a win for the state’s only body to specialise in attracting business events into regional Victoria.

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.

“While both Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Convention Bureau received additional short-term funding as part of the budget, longer term funding is certainly required to maintain the state’s competitiveness.

“VTIC reinforces the importance of ensuring the financial sustainability of the organisations tasked with promoting and driving Victorian tourism.

“We look forward to working with Government and all parties in the lead up to the election to ensure that our industry priorities are met.”