$30 million Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme announced to encourage more people to holiday in the state.

The Victorian government has announced a $200 million stimulus package to support the state’s economic recovery as the Omicron COVID-19 wave eases.

Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula on Monday announced the funding, which includes voucher schemes to entice people to spend on dining, entertainment and travel within the state.

“We think this is the best way to target support,” he told reporters.

“We think what business needs is customers back, money in the hands of customers so that they can come and spend, enjoy and bring our city back to life.”

About $100 million will be spent to provide Victorians with rebates for travel, entertainment and dining in the state.

This will include $30 million for a new Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme to encourage more people to holiday in the state.

The Melbourne Money scheme will be brought back, with $10 million to entice diners back into the city’s bars, cafes and restaurants by reimbursing part of their bill.

Mr Pakula hopes the Melbourne Money scheme vouchers will be made available online from mid-March.

A new $30 million program will provide rebates on food, wine and experiences in regional parts of Victoria, while another $30 million will be put into providing rebates for tickets to theatre, live music, cinemas, museums, galleries and other events.

In summary, the new spending announced are as follows:

• $30 million in entertainment vouchers, which will offer rebates on tickets to the theatre, live music, cinemas, museums and galleries;
• $10 million in “Melbourne Money”, vouchers that reimburse diners on their bill, to entice people back to CBD cafes, bars and restaurants;
• $30 million to extend the travel voucher program “which has been so popular and successful”. This will mean another 150,000 vouchers statewide, good for $200 off a $400 spend. A portion of the vouchers will be kept aside for seniors, who are sometimes not so quick clicking the link to get a voucher, Minister Pakula said;
• $34 million through jobs Victoria to help 1500 workers find placements across hospitality, warehousing and logistics.

“We need to see as many people get out and about as possible, and this stimulus will do that,” Minister Pakula says.