Victorian beachside towns reap benefits of voucher scheme

About 52,000 vouchers from the first tranche of the travel vouchers scheme have been redeemed, with these towns reaping the biggest benefits.

The Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast topped holiday itineraries as Victorians armed with travel vouchers went on an $85m regional spending spree.

East Gippsland and the Surf Coast were also popular destinations.

It came as a new wave of $200 vouchers was announced, and the initiative extended to include metropolitan Melbourne.

Figures compiled for the Herald Sun show about 52,000 vouchers from the first tranche of the state government scheme have been redeemed.

The vouchers — available for travel until January 22 — entitled holders to $200 towards accommodation, experiences and tours in regional Victoria provided they spent at least $400 on a minimum two nights’ accommodation.

More than 5000 vouchers were used in the Mornington Peninsula municipality, which includes Peninsula Hot Springs and Arthurs Seat.

More than 4500 were used in Bass Coast municipality, which takes in Phillip Island, 4100 in East Gippsland and 3100 on the Surf Coast.

Alpine and Colac-Otway shires and Greater Geelong were also popular.

It is estimated that those with vouchers spent more than $85m in a much-needed boost to regional businesses and jobs.

Jamie McLean at the Maldon lolly shop.

“These vouchers have been popular with Victorian travellers and provided a substantial boost to tourism businesses and workers across the state,” Tourism Minister Martin ­Pakula said.

“There are now 90,000 vouchers scheduled to go out in coming weeks, adding to 110,000 already snapped up for trips involving at least two nights in paid accommodation.

“We know that the next rounds, including for greater Melbourne, will be taken up quickly and that’s great news for everyone.”

Maldon Lolly Shop worker Jamie McLean said the vouchers were a real sweetener for visitors.

“Business has been up a lot,’’ he said. “A lot of people are coming up from Melbourne.

“A lot of them are using the vouchers. It’s really good for small businesses like ours.

“They come to these little towns like Maldon and they really enjoy themselves.”

Emma Dolling, manager of Enchanted Adventure Garden on the Mornington Peninsula, said she was delighted with the support for tourism.

William and Charlotte Dolling enjoy some time at The Enchanted Adventure Garden in Arthurs Seat. Picture: Josie Hayden

Rebecca Haack says business is booming in Maldon partly due to the state government vouchers for tourists. Picture: ROB LEESON

“So many businesses like ourselves were closed for over six months and so we welcome any stimulus to make sure the tourist industry bounces back quickly,” Ms Dolling said.

Jamie Heffernan, owner of Experience Maldon, said the vouchers had been a big support for the region.

On the Friday before last, the 17 accommodation venues he managed were booked out within four hours.

“It’s chalk and cheese,’’ he said.

“There wasn’t a car in the street. It was like a ghost town. Now you can’t get a car park. It’s absolutely pumping.”

Portia & Co owner Rebecca Haack said her Maldon art and gift shop had benefited from the increase in tourism.

Jamie Heffernan of Maldon Experience.

“When people stay over they spend more time in the town and they are prepared to have a more relaxed shopping experience. So that is really beneficial for us,’’ she said.

There were 70,000 vouchers in the first release of the Regional Travel Voucher Scheme, and those not ­redeemed will be rolled into following rounds.

The latest round will comprise 50,000 regional vouchers — an extra 10,000 more than expected — to be released on March 30 for travel between April 6 and May 31.

About 40,000 vouchers for greater Melbourne are expected to be released in March.

Originally published as Victorian beachside towns reap benefits of voucher scheme