Nationals propose regional tourism recovery plan

The Nationals are proposing a multi-million dollar regional tourism recovery plan focused on encouraging Melburnians to take their own ‘autumn break’ and offering discounted accommodation deals for CFA volunteers.

Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan says the number of domestic visitors to regional Victoria has slumped in recent years and the combined impacts of the drought and bushfires have exacerbated the situation.

The Nationals are also urging the State Government to investigate options for direct assistance to small business operators who have been severely disadvantaged by the fires.

“We need a recovery plan in place immediately to help these viable regional business operators get through the next 12 months,” Mr Ryan said.

“The number of Victorians visiting destinations in their own state has slumped since 1999. The ongoing drought conditions and this summer’s bushfires have added to the problem.

“Many small businesses in rural and regional areas are facing a tough 12 months with reduced cashflow after poor visitor numbers in the normal peak period. They don’t expect a hand out, but they would appreciate a helping hand.”

The Nationals tourism recovery plan supports an ‘autumn break’ marketing campaign targeted at the Melbourne metropolitan area.

The proposal also includes discount accommodation coupons for the state’s 58,000 CFA volunteers and the recruitment of ‘tourism ambassadors’ to promote regional events and attractions.

“The concept of an ‘autumn break’ normally refers to the agricultural industry but our tourism small businesses need their own autumn break this year,” Mr Ryan said.

“Autumn is a great time to visit country areas with the vibrant colors of the Murray and the north-east, milder weather in the Wimmera and Gippsland and smaller crowds in our coastal resorts.

“We should be promoting the fact that regional Victoria is a year-round destination – not just a place for summer holidays.

“With an ounce of good luck, we will have some rain by early autumn and the high country will also be starting to recover from the fires.”

Mr Ryan said the Bracks Government should coordinate a system of accommodation coupons for all CFA volunteers to take a break in regional Victoria.

“The government and local businesses could work together to offer discounted accommodation in recognition of the outstanding service by our volunteers over the summer period,” Mr Ryan said.

“I’m sure that many tourism business operators would be prepared to offer discounts to CFA personnel and the government could coordinate the production of a coupon booklet.

“If anyone needs a holiday it is the men and women who volunteer to fight these fires. By April and May this year, they will be ready for their own ‘autumn break’ and discounted accommodation packages – supported by the State Government – would help to promote regional areas.”

The Nationals are also calling for V/Line fares to be halved during autumn to make public transport more affordable.

Key points of The Nationals Tourism Recovery Plan

Four-week ‘autumn break’ marketing campaign focused on advertising in Melbourne metropolitan area. Estimated cost: $2.5 million.

Appoint tourism ambassadors to undertake 12 months roadshow promoting regional attractions and events at shopping centres etc. Estimated cost: $500,000.

Liaise with local tourism businesses to coordinate production of booklet featuring discounted tourism accommodation packages for CFA volunteers. Estimated cost: $150,000.

Investigate options for direct financial assistance for regional small business owners suffering as a direct result of the bushfires.

Halve the price of V/Line fares during autumn. Estimated cost: $3 million.

Increase matching funding for marketing and promotion of regional events. Estimated cost: $2 million.

Fast track grants program to rebuild tourism-related infrastructure on public land in regional areas damaged by fires. Cost to be evaluated.