The release of the Victorian Visitor Economy Strategy, which sets clear goals to grow visitor expenditure, employment and the overall contribution to the Victorian economy, is recognition of the growing importance of tourism and transport to the success of the State’s future said the Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF).

“Tourism is a super-growth industry for Australia and it is absolutely fantastic to see the Victorian Government positioning the State to be in the front seat of this economic juggernaut,” said Margy Osmond, TTF CEO.

“TTF has been a vocal advocate on behalf of the tourism and transport industries and we’ve been championing the need for dedicated economic strategies for the visitor economy right across every jurisdiction in Australia.

“The nine priorities of the Victorian Visitor Economy Strategy are spot on with the direction we need to be setting for the State. More private investment, encouraging visitors to head out into regional and rural Victoria, investing in marketing and infrastructure and skilling the workforce are key areas that industry has long supported as priority areas.

“TTF loves seeing some ambition from our political leaders and that’s what we see in the Victorian Visitor Economy Strategy with clear goals to increase visitor expenditure by 58 per cent to $36.5 billion and create an extra 114,700 jobs (up 55 per cent) over the next decade.

“TTF commends the Premier Daniel Andrews and Tourism Minister John Eren for their commitment to producing this strategy and the work so far in building the new Visit Victoria to make it all happen.

“This is a strategy that builds on the strengths of Victoria – a major events and business events powerhouse, the home of great cultural and heritage, memorable food and wine, and a land of natural beauty and wonder – but also recognises the need for more work to attract more visitors to regional Victoria and adapt to the growing Asian market.

“Industry looks forward to the opportunity to work with the Victorian Government to make this strategy a reality and we are confident that a strong partnership will ensure that we don’t just meet the targets for new jobs and economic activity but exceed them.”