A large-scale multi-region project to improve how visitors can plan ahead and create the trip of a lifetime in the Goldfields region, made possible by the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison toured the Station Precinct in Ballarat which is part of the Goldfields Gateways project, a successful recipient of the Labor Government’s $3 million Visitor Servicing Fund. Thirteen successful projects have been awarded funding to encourage visitors to spend more and stay longer by providing high-quality, personalised and timely information about what to see and do around Victoria.

Stream A of the program has provided grants of up to $50,000 to nine Regional Tourism Boards and local councils, including Yarra Ranges Tourism, and Strathbogie Shire Council. It supports the development and coordination of new and better ways to access tourism information to get around our regions.

Stream B of the program has provided grants of up to $625,000 to four Regional Tourism Boards, local councils and other tourism organisations to develop innovative tools and ideas so that visitors to easily book and plan visits, access information and connect with our state’s best tourism experiences.

Projects include improving ways to make bookings and reservations, building online itineraries, creating digital visitor kiosks and enhancing wayfinding and storytelling at key visitation sites.

The Goldfields Gateways project has received $625,000 to improve signage and digital wayfinding at six key tourism attractions, including Hanging Rock in Woodend and the arts precinct in Bendigo, and deliver tailored itineraries informed by visitor behaviour data. The project is funded under Stream B and will bring together the tourism regions of Daylesford- Macedon, Bendigo and Ballarat.

For a full list of successful recipients of the Visitor Servicing Fund, visit tourism.vic.gov.au/visitorservicingfund

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“By delivering exceptional visitor information, we can encourage visitors to spend more and stay longer by providing high-quality, personalised and timely information about what to see and do in Ballarat and the Goldfields region.’’

“This funding will assist tourism operators to access new technologies that will provide an improved experience for visitors.”