Victoria Travel Vouchers: Less than half of 150,000 vouchers used in latest round

A chance to claim $200 back on a local holiday went begging for more than 80,000 Victorians who signed up to the government’s travel voucher program.

The Mornington Peninsula – home to Mills Beach – was the most visited regional destination by voucher holders in the latest round of the state government’s travel program. File picture.

Fewer than half of the state government’s 150,000 travel vouchers were used in the latest round of the popular program.

And a large amount of voucher holders didn’t head to regional towns or opted for a ‘staycation’, with the Melbourne CBD the most visited destination.

Leader can reveal only 67,300 people claimed a $200 payment from the government after the 150,000 vouchers in the $30m initiative were snapped up in March.

The scheme was created by the government to help tourism operators recover after lockdowns and the impact of Covid-19, with three previous rounds last year including two for travel in regional Victoria and one for Greater Melbourne.

Recipients in this year’s round could use their vouchers anywhere within the state, and 10,000 were set aside for seniors.

Voucher holders, who had to be Victorian residents, could claim the cashback if they spent more than $400 on accommodation, attractions or tours and had a minimum two-night stay in their chosen destination.

The City of Melbourne was the most visited local government area for participants in the latest round of the state government’s travel voucher scheme. File picture.

They had to make the trip between April 8 and May 27 and submit their claim before June 14 to be eligible for the payment.

The result means 82,700 people forfeited their vouchers back to the government, returning $16.45m to its coffers.

A government spokesperson said the money would be retained for other future tourism initiatives within the state, but did not say if another round of the voucher scheme could be rolled out.

The latest round generated a total spend of $75.9 million on accommodation, tours and experiences to boost the state’s economy.

“Through the voucher scheme we’ve provided Victorians even more reasons to rediscover the best the state has to offer, while delivering ongoing benefits to accommodation providers, tourism businesses and communities across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.

The City of Melbourne was the most visited area while the Mornington Peninsula was the top regional destination, followed by Phillip Island and the Bass Coast, the Alpine region including Bright, Hepburn and the Surf Coast including Lorne.

Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism chief executive Angela Cleland said she was pleased the region had benefited strongly from the scheme and received a timely increase in visitors during the travel period.

“The Mornington Peninsula was locked down with Greater Melbourne so it is great to see a benefit to our economy,” she said.

“Locals know that no matter the time of year, the Mornington Peninsula has great options for visitors to experience our wonderful region.”

Ms Cleland said the region would “welcome any initiative that positively contributes to our visitor economy”.

VICTORIAN TRAVEL VOUCHER SCHEME RESULTS:

Vouchers Claimed: 150,000

Vouchers Used: 67,300

Cost to State Government: $13.46m (in $200 payments)

Total economic benefit: $75.9 million

Most visited local government area: City of Melbourne

Top five most visited regional destinations:
Mornington Peninsula
Phillip Island

Bright

Hepburn

Lorne