APPLICATIONS to the Enabling Tourism Fund are encouraged from private sector businesses, incorporated associations, not-for-profit organisations, Traditional Owner Corporations and Aboriginal-owned businesses to help plan and develop new attractions and encourage more visitors.

The State Government is backing Victoria’s tourism industry with up to up to $500,000 available per project, as announced by the Tourism, Sport and Major Events minister, Martin Pakula.

“Tourism is critical to Victoria’s economy and that’s why we’re supporting the industry to plan and develop new projects in regional and rural areas of the state,” he said.

The $8 million Enabling Tourism Fund will aim to provide support for feasibility studies, design work and business cases for high potential regional and rural attractions, focussing on four growth sectors - nature, epicurean, arts and culture, and First Peoples’ led experiences.

A previous round of grants delivered $1.9 million for eight projects across the state including the expansion and redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery and development of the business case for the Institute of Gastronomy and Good Food in Daylesford.

The fund forms a part of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan to deliver a strong pipeline of new tourism experiences, products, and infrastructure across the state.

The plan is geared to increase annual visitor expenditure to $35 billion and support 300,000 jobs by June 2024.

There has also been significant interest from investors putting forward projects to the $100 million Regional Tourism Investment Fund – with applications currently being assessed.

“We want new attractions and experiences to encourage more people to visit Victoria – which will help support local businesses and create jobs,” Mr Pakula said.

For eligibility details and information on how to apply, visit business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs.

Applications close on Friday, March 4.