Victoria’s new tourism and major events agency, Visit Victoria, will help streamline efforts to promote the State’s visitor economy – but needs to be backed up with a strong financial commitment from the State Government, Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) CEO Margy Osmond said today.

“TTF congratulates the Victorian Government on the Visitor Economy Review and the creation of Visit Victoria,” she said.

“This move will ensure better cohesion between destination marketing and major events, and brings Victoria into line with other States.

“The release of the new Brand Victoria and logo refresh is a positive move that shows the Government is serious about driving the visitor economy.

“However, industry is still looking for certainty around the funding position of Visit Victoria.

“In the recent budget the Victorian Government cut Tourism Victoria’s baseline funding by 50 per cent.

“In comparison, the NSW Government budget increased funding for Destination NSW, the State’s tourism and major events agency, by $123.35 million.

“While Victoria has seen outstanding growth in visitor numbers over the past five years, these gains could easily be lost if the Government doesn’t restore funding to its new tourism and events agency.

“Now the Victorian Government has unveiled the direction it wants to take with the visitor economy, it is time to back up this new direction with adequate funds.

“Industry looks forward to working with the new Visit Victoria to grow the State’s visitor economy,” she said.