Felicia Mariani, executive director of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, said she was working with the state government to support the sector.

She said tourism spending in the state hasn’t been this low since 2005.

Felicia Mariani, head of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, says the sector needs government help.

“Our industry has been particularly hard hit and we know some companies just won’t
I can come back, ”she said.

“To regain our position as an economic powerhouse for Victoria, the sector needs the state government to help us make this plan a reality.”

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The final round of 50,000 travel vouchers These allow Victorians to claim $ 200 when they spend more than $ 400 on accommodations, attractions, or tours in regional areas of the state.

Ms Mariani said Melbourne has suffered particularly badly because it relies on foreign and interstate travelers, as well as major events that draw large crowds.

A state government spokesman urged the federal government to do more, including expanding its half price airfare to more Victorian airports.

“We have worked with the tourism industry and continue to work with the sector to help businesses recover,” he said.

Kim Storey, general manager of Destination Phillip Island’s Regional Tourism Board, said the number of visitors staying at the resort had dropped 46 percent through December. she said The tourism industry needed help.

“We are still waiting for a strong recovery plan announced by the state government for the visitor economy,” she said.

Ms. Storey said the upcoming school holidays are the “last hurray” for the Phillip Island area until large numbers of visitors return, usually in September or October.

“I think the voucher program could certainly have another round to get people out, especially in winter,” she said.

Benjamin is the regional editor for The Age. Previously, he was a reporter for State Rounds and has also covered education for The Age.

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