Victorian government handing out $200 travel vouchers to boost regional travel this summer

One Australian state is offering holiday makers a $200 summer travel voucher, but the cheap getaways are expected to be snapped up fast.

Cheap summer getaways are up for grabs for Victorians with the state government handing out a limited number of travel vouchers from Friday morning.

At 10am on Friday, the Victorian government will give the tourism industry a $28 million boost by opening registration for the first round of $200 travel vouchers that can be used for vacations within the state.

The vouchers are designed to be spent largely on accommodation to boost the ailing industry.

“This year more than ever, Victorians deserve a holiday – these vouchers will make that cheaper and easier for families to get out and support their state,” Victorian Tourism Minister Martin Pakula said.

“A bit more money in people’s pockets means they can see more and do more in regional Victoria – helping local businesses and the people and communities they support to bounce back.

“Whether it’s a trip to a winery region or a tour along one of our stunning stretches of coastline, you can’t take a wrong step in regional Victoria.”

The vouchers can be claimed for trips to regional Victorian destinations as well as wine hot spots such as the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley.

Victorians can spend the vouchers in regional hot spots such as Torquay. Picture: Ian Currie

In the first wave, 40,000 vouchers will be released for travel between December 12 and January 22 – but they can’t be claimed until after the trips have been taken.

Travellers must stay in paid accommodation for at least two nights with a minimum cost of $400 and must be at least 18 years of age to claim the one-off discount. The vouchers can also be used for holidays booked before registration opens, as well as tours and experiences.

Two more rounds of 40,000 vouchers will be released, for travel between January 27 and April 1 and a third window from April 6 and May 31.

Victorian tourism Minister Martin Pakula urged Victorians to get in fast when registration opens.

“For the first round, I would expect demand to potentially outstrip supply,” Mr Pakula said.

“That’s why we have put out 120,000 vouchers … (if people) miss out on the first round. They’ll obviously be eligible to apply for the second and third tranche.”

The vouchers will not cover gaming, alcohol (except when alcohol is included in winery, brewery or distillery tasting), fuel, food and drinks, groceries, personal items or transport costs (such as rental vehicles).

Meanwhile, Victoria recorded another day of zero cases of coronavirus – either locally acquired or from overseas arrivals – and zero deaths.