Victorian Government Announces Travel Vouchers

Shoppers return to the central business district in Melbourne, Australia, on July 7, 2021 (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

The Victorian Labor Government announced further travel vouchers as part of the Victorian and Seniors Travel Voucher Scheme program under the state’s $200 million (US$145.5 million ) business stimulus package to support local businesses and jobs.

The state announced on March 14 that a further 150,000 travel vouchers worth 30 million (US$21.8 million) will be offered as part of the scheme.

“The travel voucher program has helped encourage Victorians to explore the best of our state while supporting local businesses and jobs,” Acting Minister for Tourism, Mary-Anne Thomas said on March 14.

“We want people to explore our great state and provide a boost to tourism businesses as the sector continues its recovery from the impact of the pandemic.”

An initial 10,000 vouchers will be available for registration exclusive for seniors on March 15, with the remaining 140,000 vouchers opening for registration for all Victorians on March 23.

Eligible seniors will receive a $200 AUD (US$145) senior travel reimbursement when they spend $400 (US$291) or more on their accommodation, tours, or travel experiences.

Successful seniors will be chosen randomly by ballot and only those that hold a valid senior’s card or senior’s business discount card will be eligible

The remaining 140,000 vouchers for all Victorians will otherwise be offered on a first-come-first-served basis and will close once all the allocations have been given out.

Similar to senior vouchers; applicants must spend a minimum of $400 AUD (US$291) and stay for at least two nights in paid accommodation.

March Voucher and Reimbursement Schemes Open

The news comes as the $10 million (US$7.28 million) Melbourne Money program commenced on March 7 as part of the state’s business stimulus plan.

Melbourne Money reimburses dining bills taken out in metropolitan areas at a rate of 25 percent for meals costing $40 to $500 (US$29 to $363) on Mondays to Thursdays.

People enjoy outdoor dining along Sturt Street in Ballarat, Australia, on Sep. 10, 2021. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Additionally,the $30 million (US$21.8 million) voucher scheme for dining across regional and suburban Victoria as well as the $30 million entertainment reimbursements are expected to commence on March 29.

Victorian Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula said on Feb. 21 that “business and consumer confidence is critical for our continued economic recovery and that’s why we’re investing in these programs to deliver a boost where it is needed most.”

Victorian and Seniors Travel Voucher Scheme vouchers will become available for travel from April 8 to May 27.

Thomas said the scheme expand on previous rounds of Melbourne and regional travel vouchers with more than $159 million (US$115.7 million) spent on accommodation, tours and experiences support across the state.