AHEAD of Australia opening up its doors for international travel on Monday, preparations have begun for local businesses in the Southern Grampians region.

Grampians Peaks Walking Company managing director, Adrian Manikas, welcomed the exciting news that would see more visitors on their multi-day camping and hiking excursions.

“It has been a long hard slog for us and many others, but we're very glad that as a nation we have pushed through and are now in a position to welcome international visitors back,” he said.

“The Grampians Peaks Walking Company is excited to see borders safely re-open and keen to start sharing our backyard with visitors from around the world once again.”

Since early 2020, Grampians Peaks Walking Company has been one of many companies faced with a tourism shortage, halting business operations.

“The last few years have obviously been pretty challenging for the tourism industry. Our whole industry is based on the idea of people moving around and exploring great places - something which has not been able to happen effectively since early 2020,” Mr Manikas said.

The Southern Grampians Shire Council’s Economic Development and Tourism manager, Hugh Koch was also thrilled with the news.

“We are delighted to finally see the return of international travellers to the Greater Hamilton region. Prior to the pandemic, our international visitor numbers were the highest we have seen, so for those visitors to be able to return once again and experience what our region has to offer is terrific,” he said.

“International travellers on working visas have also filled jobs in the service and hospitality sector, in which during the pandemic we have seen a great shortage of, so this return will indeed be good news for our employers within these industries, and support tourism economy in the shire.”

Since the freeze on international travel, the Victorian tourism industry has endured a tumultuous period which resulted in significant employment losses, as recorded by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC).

“International visitors made up nearly a third of Victoria’s total tourism income at the end of 2019,” VTIC said.

“Over $9 billion in international visitor spend has disappeared from the tourism economy over the past two years while borders were closed, and that has translated to the loss of thousands of jobs across the state.

“This is very encouraging news for our tourism operators who have been hanging on by a thread.”

Tourism minister, Dan Tehan, was optimistic for the economic future of the Wannon region.

“The return of double vaccinated international tourists from February 21 is wonderful news for our tourism industry, our tourism regions, and Australia,” Mr Tehan said.

“Our message to international tourists is that ‘Australia is open for business and we've got the best attractions in the world, and we've got the best people to welcome you’.

“Look at Wannon - home to incredible tourist attractions like the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles, Budj Bim, and the Grampians, and those attractions are serviced by high-quality tourism operators.

“I’m confident Wannon will be at the top of the holiday itinerary for many international tourists.”

Under the Federal Government’s plan, all travellers entering the country are required to be double vaccinated.

Booster shots are not currently mandated for incoming international travellers but is highly recommended and may be required in some countries for Australian travellers.