THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VITC) has developed a list of policies for the upcoming state election, several of which relate to Gippsland and surrounding areas, as part of their #tourismmatters campaign.
The campaign outlines a five-point plan to create jobs and support businesses in the visitor economy. Measures include a call for an aviation activation strategy to disperse tourists to regional Victoria, including a plan for an airport in Bairnsdale; planning for the Commonwealth Games; capping how long properties can be listed on short-stay platforms; and boosting skills and training for regional workers.
Other priorities include a review of Crown land use, including 49-year leases to encourage infrastructure development in tourism experiences, a dedicated business events strategy, and free TAFE tourism and travel courses.
As Victorians head to the polls in November, VTIC is calling for all major parties to commit to items within its five point plan that fall under the following themes:
1. Demand Driving Response to a Changing Consumer
2. Tackling the employment and skills crisis in tourism and the visitor economy
3. Access and improving infrastructure in a new visitor economy
4. Planning for the Commonwealth Games and beyond
5. Create a 10-year blueprint to revitalise Greater Melbourne.
VTIC chief executive, Felicia Mariani, said Victoria faced multiple pressures in working to full recovery. These included the slow return of international visitors, lack of affordable housing in its regions, the need for coordinated long-term strategies for tourism growth tailored to the regions and Greater Melbourne, and planning visitor servicing across four regional sites for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“There is no doubt that Regional Victoria will shine on the global stage during the 2026 Victoria Commonwealth Games. There’s a lot of work to do, however, before our regions can provide the quality accommodation, servicing and transport needed to manage up to 40,000 visitors that are expected to travel to each of the four regions,” she said.
“Victoria’s visitor economy has enormous potential to help drive full recovery out of the pandemic, not just to pre-pandemic levels but even stronger than before. #tourismmatters more than ever to our continued success and revitalisation as we move on from the challenges of the past two years.
“We must look at the whole picture and plan for the new environment we are living and working in. VTIC’s election priorities identify tangible actions we can take to deliver results.”
