Regional Victoria and Metro Melbourne will each have their own roadmaps, relating to how many active cases are currently in the community. While it wasn't the news we were so desperately hoping for, it now provides us with a pathway to recovery and a little step closer to welcoming visitors back.

Each industry will have a different restriction level (closed, heavily restricted, restricted and open with a COVIDSafe Plan) depending on which step we are in at the time.

There is more work to be done to ensure we are prepared to reopen our region to visitors and to ensure that our communities remain COVID safe.

The Roadmap to re-opening for our local tourism industry will require that operators comply with sector specific guidelines relating to density, distancing, numbers caps and hygiene to ensure a safe experience for all staff and visitors.

We are working closely with local and state government to ensure our sector is able to adhere to the specific guidelines.

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Grampians Tourism is continuing its strong advocacy work to Government for relief and business support programs, such as JobKeeper, to be extended and to recognise the particular challenges our different sectors are experiencing right now.

We continue to work hard and our team stands ready to initiate a new marketing campaign as soon as restrictions ease and we are advised that it is safe to start encouraging visitation back into the Grampians region.

In preparation for reopening Grampians Tourism has taken delivery of our new Grampians Way Touring Map which is designed to connect the region and disperse visitors to all parts of the Grampians.

This new collateral provides opportunities for visitors to traverse the Grampians Way touring route and promotes a self- drive experience that circumnavigates the Grampians National Park and connects four unique sub -regions.

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It would be remiss not to acknowledge R U OK? Day this week. We extend our thoughts to those who may be struggling under challenging circumstances and encourage you all to check in on your work colleagues, family and friends, albeit remotely.

There is a wealth of support available that is free to help guide you through the current challenges faced by you and your staff. Grampians Tourism is here with you every step of the way to help prepare and to welcome visitors back to our spectacular region when the time is right.

Take care, stay safe and please reach out to any of the Grampians Tourism Team if you need a chat.

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