Support for regional accommodation providers

By David Rak

Jul 14, 2020

Thousands of accommodation providers across regional Victoria are being urged to access Victorian Government funding to cover the cost of lost refunds during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced applications were open for $40 million of tourism support funding under the government’s Business Support Fund.

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 due to the return of stage three restrictions in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, provided they refund 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 three restrictions.

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

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

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the state government knew regional accommodation providers were 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,” she said.

“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.”

To apply, visit business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/expanded-business-support-fund

By David Rak

Journalist