THE Victorian Government announced the Grampians Peak Trail, MacKenzie Falls and Brambuk Cultural Centre in Halls Gap would benefit from a funding boost - part of a $465m tourism recovery package.
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This investment will deliver new trail heads for the Grampians Peaks Trail and will build better infrastructure at Mackenzie Falls - Victoria's most visited waterfall.
Brambuk Cultural Centre will also receive funding to evolve the centre as Victoria's flagship Aboriginal cultural tourism attraction.
The tourism package is boasted to assist in areas across Victoria to recover after necessary health restrictions to protect Victoria from coronavirus and bushfires.
The Grampians region is set to receive more than $13m directly from the announcement of the Victorian budget 2020-21.
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Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said the tourism body was "thrilled" to hear the funding announcement for some of "our most popular attractions at a time when we need help the most".
"We have been working closely with Parks Victoria and advocating on behalf of our industry partners to secure this funding and are pleased that the State Government has recognized the importance of the visitor economy to the Grampians region," he said.
"We work to deliver a coordinated approach to infrastructure investment and industry development for the Grampians region and have lobbied State Government hard for these funds over a number of years.
"We are thankful that this hard work has paid off and it is fantastic to see further investment in our region.
"2020 has been an incredibly hard year for our all businesses and to believe that now we have opened to visitors once again it is business as usual would be very tone deaf.
"This is just the start of our road to recovery but one that will be easier with this funding announcement."
2019 saw the Grampians region receive record visitors to the area, with over two million visitors.
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Premier Daniel Andrews also announced a $28 million initiative to help more people explore the state.
Up to 120,000 vouchers each worth $200 available to entice more people to visit and stay in regional Victoria.
ictorians will be able to apply for the vouchers as long as they spend at least $400 on accommodation, attractions or tours in regional Victoria. The scheme is expected to be up and running in December, ensuring the benefits are felt this summer - when businesses need it most.
"Whether it's a day-trip with the family or a tour along our stunning coast, we're helping more people get out and enjoy the best Victoria has to offer," Mr Andrews said.
"This funding will help them tourism businesses bounce back from the challenges of this year - welcoming more visitors and employing more Victorians."
Grampians Tourism launched its latest campaign this week titled Host with the Most.
Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the campaign aimed at encouraging friends and relatives to visit was the "perfect opportunity for the Horsham region to uncover some of our long-held tourism secrets".
"The Wimmera offers visitors a place to explore great shopping, food and attractions including the Horsham Regional Art Gallery and historic parks and gardens," he said.
"Renowned for its big skies and open spaces, it's the perfect backdrop for family and friends to catch-up when visiting the many gateway attractions such as the Silo Art Trail, Little Desert, Pink Lake or the magnificent Wartook region.
"The city also offers visitors a place for replenishing supplies, essential services and great accommodation.
"Horsham Rural City Council looks forward to welcoming visitors. The campaign is great news for our tourism operators who have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
"Funding for the campaign is via HRCC's Business and Community Assistance Program which was adopted as part of this year's Council budget."
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