News

Funds for regional hotels available from state

By Simon Ruppert

Jul 14, 2020

Accommodation providers in Benalla are being urged to access Victorian Government funding to cover the cost of lost refunds during the coronavirus pandemic.

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State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that applications for the $40 million tourism support fund under the government’s Business Support Fund opened last week.

“We know that our regional accommodation providers are doing it tough at a time when tourists would normally be making bookings - that’s why we’re stepping in to provide much needed, immediate support,” Ms Symes said.

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“This is a critical opportunity for regional accommodation providers to recoup some of their losses – this fund is open now and we’re encouraging those affected to get in early.”

Applications are now open on the Business Victoria website for eligible accommodation operators to claim up to $225 per night for up to five nights for each and every room cancelled because of the return of Stage 3 restrictions in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, provided they refunded the booking in full.

The Regional Tourism Support Program applies to regional accommodation providers receiving cancellations of bookings for the six weeks from the introduction of Stage 3 restrictions.

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The funding is available to accommodation providers in the 11 Regional Tourism Board areas – involving 48 rural and regional councils plus a number of interface council in the Yarra Ranges and Mornington Peninsula tourism regions.

The fund is capped at $40 million and applications close at the end of Stage 3 restrictions.

● To apply, visit this link.

By Simon Ruppert

Editor