Victorians have the chance to snap up one of 150,000 travel vouchers, with the popular scheme returning as part of a $200 million business stimulus package to support local businesses and jobs.
Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Mary-Anne Thomas confirmed an initial 10,000 vouchers will be available exclusively to seniors from Monday 14 March. A further 140,000 vouchers will open to everyone else on Wednesday 23 March.
“The travel voucher program has helped encourage Victorians to explore the best of our state, while supporting local businesses and jobs,” Ms Thomas said.
“We want people to explore our great state and provide a boost to tourism businesses as the sector continues its recovery from the impact of the pandemic.”
The Seniors Travel Voucher Scheme will provide a $200 reimbursement to eligible seniors who spend $400 or more on paid accommodation, tours and experiences.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines highlighted the importance of opening up the vouchers early for seniors.
“This gives Victorian seniors a unique chance to snap up travel vouchers through an exclusive round – allowing thousands of seniors to enjoy more of Victoria,” Mr Carbines said.
Registrations will open at 11:00am tomorrow, with successful recipients chosen by random ballot. To be eligible, residents must hold a valid Victorian Seniors Card or Seniors Business Discount Card.
The Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme will open eight days later on Wednesday 23 March.
The 140,000 vouchers will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis and will close once the allocation has been exhausted.
Successful applicants must spend a minimum of $400 and stay for at least two-nights in paid accommodation such as hotels and motels, serviced apartments, caravan parks, camping sites, farm stays and private holiday rentals.
Vouchers will be valid for travel between 8 April and 27 May.
The Victorian and Seniors Travel Voucher Schemes expand on previous rounds of Melbourne and regional travel vouchers. More than $159 million has been spent on accommodation, tours and experiences across the state to date.
For more information on the Seniors and Victorian Travel Voucher Schemes and to apply, go to vic.gov.au/business-stimulus-package.
