There have already been over 5 million downloads of the COVIDSafe app, but the National Cabinet has made it clear that more people need to download the COVID-19 app before major changes to restrictions will be considered.

The new app may also become an important tool for the new look visitor economy and could form part of new procedural guidelines for operating in this new environment.

If you have not downloaded the app as yet please consider doing so.

Grampians Tourism is continuing to work hard to advocate for the visitor economy in our region.

Read more:

Our new Recovery Taskforce is focused on supporting local business and advocating for key game changing private and public infrastructure investment to help support our region in the recovery phase.

We have also commissioned an economic modelling report to better understand how the Grampians region visitor economy is expected to recover post COVID.

We believe the first green shoots of recovery in the visitor economy to the Grampians region will start around July with domestic day trips, led particularly by younger people, with a return to normal low season rates from this sub-market quite quickly.

The second and more powerful lift in Grampians region tourism is expected from August, with visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travelling to catch up after months of separation.

The VFR market will be a welcome lifeline for local communities and will provide an economic shot during the initial recovery.

When the time is right to travel, we encourage all locals to invite family and friends back into region to support local businesses that have been decimated by this crisis.

Associated with the rebound of VFR travel there will also be a comparative rush of deferred larger events people such as weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties.

Similarly, there will be a rush of less programmed gatherings as the number of people allowed to meet is progressively increased.

Last month we set up a Halls Gap HUB live stream camera to film the sky over our spectacular Grampians National Park.

You can now enjoy a slice of our region from your very own home or maybe share our link with a friend or family member who might be missing their dose of National Park happiness.

It has been great to see many of our industry partners pivot and innovate over the last few weeks and adapt to these difficult economic conditions.

Before you make your next purchase, consider whether you could buy locally instead so that we can continue to help support operators and producers in the Grampians region.

Stay safe, stay connected and please don't hesitate to pick up the phone if you need support from any of the Grampians Tourism team.