The Victoria Tourism Industry Council [VTIC] has launched its campaign for a 10-year blueprint for greater Melbourne to be implemented as part of its broader state election campaign outlining how Victoria must respond to the slow return of international visitors and students and adapt to hybrid work practices.
The VTIC has also called for all major parties to commit to its five-point plan:
* Demand driving response to a changing consumer;
* Tackling the employment and skills crisis in tourism and the visitor economy;
* Access and improving infrastructure in a new visitor economy;
* Planning for the Commonwealth Games and beyond; and
* Create a 10-year blueprint to revitalise Greater Melbourne.
VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said Victoria has faced a number of pressures in working towards full recovery, including the slow return of international visitors and lack of affordable housing in its regions.
“There is no doubt that regional Victoria will shine on the global stage during the 2026 Victoria Commonwealth Games,” she said.
“There’s a lot of work to do, however, before our regions can provide the quality accommodation, servicing and transport needed to manage up to 40,000 visitors that are expected to travel to each of the four regions.”
Ms Mariani said with if the state government looked at tourism holistically, there was a number of opportunities for regrowth.
“Victoria’s visitor economy has enormous potential to help drive full recovery out of the pandemic, not just to pre-pandemic levels but even stronger than before,” she said.
“We must look at the whole picture and plan for the new environment we are living and working in.
“VTIC’s election priorities identify tangible actions we can take to deliver results.”
Details: www.vtic.com.au
