regional tourism grants victoria

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Regional Tourism Investment Fund will help to deliver new experiences for visitors to Victoria

Thursday 16, may 2024.

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) welcomes the announcement today from the Allan Government of $62 million to support the continuation of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF).   

VTIC CEO, Felicia Mariani, said that the RTIF grant process has had various iterations over several years, and each time the resulting infrastructure development has allowed industry to deliver game-changing experiences for visitors to regional Victoria. 

“The $62 million of funding announced today by Government will provide an enormous boost to operators across regional Victoria in realising their vision for new and enhanced products and experiences.  These developments will in turn serve to attract more visitors, extend their stay in the regions, and encourage greater spend into local economies across the state. 

“This funding announcement, when  coupled with the $8 million recently announced as part of the Enabling Tourism Fund, brings the Government’s investment in regional tourism infrastructure planning and delivery to $70 million, which will be significant in helping to drive new audiences to explore our regional areas,” Ms Mariani said.

This investment in regional infrastructure forms a critical part of the Government’s commitment to allocate $170 million into a Regional Tourism Support Package following the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games last July. The $70 million allocated thus far to infrastructure development is a positive response to the industry’s request that the originally proposed investments be recalibrated, to ensure there was adequate funding to create and deliver infrastructure projects with legacy benefits for the state’s tourism industry.    

“VTIC is pleased to see that Government has listened and responded to the advocacy we have undertaken on behalf of industry to bolster the resources being made available to infrastructure development in this support package. 

“The RTIF program is one of the most successful grant programs that works to underpin the efforts of our sector to create memorable experiences for visitors to Victoria,” said Ms Mariani.

“Creating these game-changing experiences in regional Victoria is critical for our state, helping to improve dispersal of visitors to regional areas, particularly when it comes to drawing more visitation to our regional areas from interstate and international travellers to Victoria.”

Applications for the  Regional Tourism Investment Fund  are open from Thursday, 16 May 2024 until Friday, 19 July 2024. To learn more about the Fund visit  tourism.vic.gov.au .

Read the Government’s release announcing the Fund here .

VTIC Partners

Ready To Launch Regional Tourism Projects To The Stars

One in every 11 jobs in regional Victoria exists because of tourism, and the Allan Labor Government is bringing even more regional tourism projects to life.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today visited the redesigned Bendigo Planetarium to launch the latest round of the Enabling Tourism Fund .

The fund is all about getting the most exciting regional tourism ideas off the ground and ready for investment. It has already supported the Bendigo Art Gallery and other projects across the state.

The new round of funding announced today will make available up to $8 million to create a pipeline of more tourism infrastructure and more jobs.

Grants between $20,000 and $500,000 are open to tourism businesses, not-for-profit and Traditional Owner organisations, and more.

The grants will be delivered in two streams: the first providing support to test the concept of a large new infrastructure project like a feasibility study or masterplan.

The second stream funds detailed design packages, funding strategies or community engagement plans. Both are vital to attracting greater investment and getting projects off paper.

The fund is guided by five priorities of experiences that Victoria does best – First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature.

A new guide for tourism operators will also help them deliver projects that are ready for investment, delivering a great return and an even better experience for visitors.

The fund is one of the many things the Allan Labor Government is doing for regional tourism, with Bendigo’s new planetarium is now twice its size thanks to the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

The planetarium is centred around a state-of-the-art dome theatre and uses new technology like a laser projector system to display high-resolution images of planets and the cosmos.

Applications for the Enabling Tourism Fund are open until Friday, 28 March 2024. For more information on the grants and the new guide, visit tourism.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan

“Regional Victoria has so much to offer and we want to add to the list, because more regional tourism means more regional jobs.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

”Regional tourism projects attract visitors and jobs, but first they have to attract investment – and that’s where this funding comes in.”

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VIC Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024

• Applications are open until 19 July 2024.
• Stream 1: Small-scale projects – funding ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.
• Stream 2: Large-scale projects – funding ranging from $1,000,001 to $5 million.
• Stream 3: Accommodation uplift – funding ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF) 2024 supports new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects in regional and rural Victoria. The aim is to increase year-round visitation, enhance the quality of experiences, and extend visitors' length of stay.

Key Requirements

The funding prioritises the five product priorities outlined in experience victoria 2033: first peoples’ led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature., each applicant is permitted to submit only one application, choosing from stream 1, 2, or 3., projects situated within the designated local government authority areas are eligible for application..

• Tier 1 locations – Local Government Areas: Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong, Greater Shepparton, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Wangaratta, Warrnambool, Wodonga, Yarra Ranges.
• Tier 2 locations – Local Government Areas and Alpine Resorts: Alpine, Ararat, Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Benalla, Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Colac Otway, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Falls Creek, Gannawarra, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Hindmarsh, Indigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Moorabool, Mount Alexander, Mount Buller and Mount Stirling, Mount Hotham, Moyne, Murrindindi, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Queenscliffe, Southern Alpine (Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw), Southern Grampians, South Gippsland, Strathbogie, Surf Coast, Swan Hill, Towong Wellington, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack.

Funding ratios

• Maximum funding ratios for co-contributions: Up to RTIF $1:$2 applicant Example: RTIF grant amount $100,000, applicant co-contribution $200,000. Total project cost $300,000
• Tier 1 location: Up to RTIF $2:$1 applicant Example: RTIF grant amount $100,000, applicant co-contribution $50,000. Total project cost $150,000
• Tier 2 location: Up to RTIF $3:$1 applicant Example: RTIF grant amount $100,000, applicant co-contribution $33,333. Total project cost $133,333
• Maximum funding ratios for co-contributions: Up to RTIF $4:$1 applicant Example: RTIF grant amount $100,000, applicant co-contribution $25,000. Total project cost $125,000

What is eligible for funding?

Stream 1: small-scale projects.

Stream 1 focuses on capitalising on opportunities unique to a town or region. It aims to enhance smaller-scale tourism infrastructure, either by developing new facilities or revitalising existing ones, to improve usability and quality and attract new visitors.

Examples include enhancing cellar doors, extending wildlife sanctuaries, introducing smaller-scale accommodation options like eco-pods, and developing interpretive gardens, parks, and cultural works.

Stream 2: Large-Scale Projects

Stream 2 aims to support the development of new infrastructure that holds strategic significance and enhances unique tourism experiences in regional destinations. Projects must align with one or more product priority areas outlined and showcase innovative offerings that enrich Victoria’s tourism landscape, delivering substantial benefits to regional areas.

Examples include establishing new restaurant dining areas at wineries, introducing exhibits at wildlife sanctuaries, creating museums or galleries, constructing new accommodation options, and developing wellness retreats.

Additionally, applications addressing site constraints hindering broader tourism infrastructure development, such as road construction or utility services, will be considered, provided they are part of a larger project leveraging tourism investment rather than standalone initiatives.

Stream 3: Accommodation Uplift

Stream 3 focuses on revitalising existing accommodation to meet modern visitor expectations. Applicants must demonstrate demand for the upgraded accommodation, including potential increases in visitor numbers, types, and length of stay. They should also illustrate how the upgrade not only benefits their business but enhances the overall visitor experience in the town or region. Projects should align with the region’s unique visitor experience and product priority areas, with a clear connection between demand from these experiences and the proposed upgrades. Preference will be given to upgrades that improve accommodation star ratings and accessibility.

Eligible projects include modernisation works, amenities improvements at camp/caravan sites, upgrades to meet luxury market needs, and enhancements to shared spaces for better accessibility. Activities may involve bedroom and bathroom upgrades, revitalising rooms to create unique offerings, improving multipurpose areas like swimming pools and dining rooms, and implementing accessibility modifications to meet DDA requirements, such as shower modifications, door widening, and installation of ramps and paths.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Applicants eligible to apply include private sector proponents, local and state government entities in Victoria such as public land managers, land management authorities, local government authorities, and Victorian Alpine Resorts, as well as state or local government-owned entities, incorporated associations, not-for-profit organisations including community groups, and Traditional Owner Corporations, Aboriginal organisations, and businesses.

To qualify for funding, applicants must possess an Australian Business Number (ABN) and provide audited financial reports for the past three years. Auspice arrangements may be considered for unincorporated entities, while meeting all other eligibility criteria remains imperative for both the applicant and the proposed project.

Traditional Owner Corporations, organisations, groups, and Aboriginal-owned businesses applying must be registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria, the Office of the Register of Indigenous Corporations, or the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Alternatively, they can be a body corporate constituted under section 8 of the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 (Vic).

Is this grant competitive or entitlement-based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

• Industry analysis presentation
• Competitor Analysis Presentation
• Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
• 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
• 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
• Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
• End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
• CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
• Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
• Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

Program overview

Registrations of Interest for the Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF) are now closed. Applicants who have completed a Registration of Interest have until Friday 14 January 2022 to submit their application. RTIF will support new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects that will increase visitation, drive private investment, and deliver more jobs.  This investment will help revitalise and grow Victoria’s visitor economy and is a key part of the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan . The fund provides grants up to $10 million per project, with a minimum funding amount of $150,000 per project, focussing on four growth sectors identified in the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan – nature, epicurean, arts and culture, and First Peoples’ led experiences.

Please read the information on this page, including the program guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) .

Program guidelines

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Read the full list of FAQs .

Registrations of Interest for the Regional Tourism Investment Fund are now closed. Applicants who have completed a Registration of Interest have until Friday 14 January 2022 to submit their application.

Grant amount

Eligible applicants may seek funding for up to $10 million per project, with a minimum funding amount of $150,000 per project.

Co-contributions are required as part of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF) grant funding. The rate of co-contribution varies depending on the applicant.

How to apply

Templates to be used in your application.

• Azerbaijani
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Haitian Creole
• Kinyarwanda
• Kurdish (Kurmanji)
• Kurdish (Soranî)
• Odia (Oriya)
• Scots Gaelic

RED Grant helps pave way for historic Pinjarra hotel to reopen

• Historic hotel in Pinjarra celebrates official reopening
• Newly refurbished Exchange Hotel set to diversify tourism and create jobs in Peel
• Project supported by $100,000 grant from Cook Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program

Regional Development Minister Don Punch has officially reopened the historic Exchange Hotel in Pinjarra, which is set to diversify the tourism experience in the Peel region.

The Exchange Hotel forms a unique part of Pinjarra's history, operating for more than 135 years before its closure in 2008.

The reopening of the refurbished hotel yesterday evening will create a new hospitality business to fill local market demand, generating local jobs and increasing tourism diversity in the region.

The Cook Government invested $100,000 in this project through a Regional Economic Development Grant in December 2022.

The funding supported a high-quality fit-out of the hotel's central kitchen and bar area, as part of a major redevelopment of this heritage site.

The Exchange Hotel opening will activate Pinjarra's town centre, giving locals and visitors a truly unique and modern venue to come together to enjoy while still retaining Pinjarra's unique historical charm.

Since 2018, the Cook Labor Government has committed more than $55 million over 10 years towards the RED Grants program, diversifying regional economies and creating hundreds of new jobs in the regions.

Successful recipients of the seventh round of the RED Grants program are set to be announced in the coming weeks, with a record $10 million funding available this year to support locally-driven projects across regional Western Australia.

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"I am delighted to be here this evening in Pinjarra to celebrate the official opening of the newly refurbished Exchange Hotel.

"The RED Grants program supports local projects that deliver real economic impact and create more jobs throughout Western Australia.

"Our Government has invested more than $4 million across 40 projects in the Peel region since 2018 - empowering local businesses to expand their operations, support sustainable employment opportunities and diversify the tourism offerings available in the region."

Comments attributed to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:

"Congratulations to Karl and Janine Bullers who have brought this heritage building back to life and the local business community for your commitment and collaboration on the planning, design, and redevelopment of this unique piece of Pinjarra's history.

"The redevelopment and reactivation of the Exchange Hotel will make this iconic building a true destination venue for visitors and locals to enjoy.

"The Cook Government is proud to deliver on our commitment to the Shire of Murray through this project, supporting the region's vibrancy and driving economic growth in the area."

Hon. Don Punch

Acknowledgement of country.

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024

Grants of up to $5 million per project for new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects.

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The Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan will shape the future of Victoria’s visitor economy over the next 10 years.

Victoria has an extensive international event and cultural calendar, iconic wildlife and nature experiences and business-friendly investment opportunities.

Research and Insights

Research and insights on Victoria's tourism, events and visitor economy.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria, their ongoing connection to this land and we pay our respects to their culture and their Elders past, present and future.

© 2023 Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

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