Eligibility criteria

Grant applications for the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 are open to:

• specific interim entities that are recognised by Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) as being part of the regional tourism network
• projects in regional and rural Victoria as per the list of LGAs in Section 4.2.3 of the guidelines
• projects in Victoria that provide tourism benefit.

Applicants must be one of the following types of entities to apply:

• private sector proponents (defined as a privately owned or commercial organisation that has overall control and responsibility for a project that is predominantly funded through private capital)
• local and state government entities, based in Victoria including:
  • Public Land Managers
  • Land Management Authorities and Committees of Management
  • Local Government Authorities
  • A Victorian Alpine Resort (such as one of the 6 alpine resorts are legally incorporated under the Alpine Resorts (Management) Act 1997 and managed by Alpine Resorts Victoria).
• State or Local Government owned entities
• incorporated associations
• not-for-profit organisations, including community groups that are an incorporated body, cooperative or association
• Traditional Owner Corporations, organisations and groups, and Aboriginal owned businesses.

In addition, to be eligible for funding applicants must:

• possess an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• provide audited financial reports for the past 3 years.

Where an entity is not incorporated, an auspicing arrangement may be considered. The applicant is still required to meet all other eligibility criteria.

Project types eligible for funding

Stream 1 – Small-scale projects: between $100,000 and $1 million (excl. GST) for new small infrastructure or enhancements to existing infrastructure that builds on the current visitor experience.

Stream 2 – Large-scale projects: between $1,000,001 and $5 million (excl. GST) for new infrastructure that supports visitor experience.

Stream 3 – Revitalisation of existing accommodation offerings to enhance the overall visitor experience and align with modern visitor expectations at an accommodation site.

Projects must align with one or more of the product priorities outlined in Experience Victoria 2033 (section 1.2).

Examples include:

Stream 1:

• Enhancement to a cellar door
• Extensions to wildlife sanctuaries
• Smaller-scale accommodation options, such as new on-site eco-pods
• Development of interpretive garden, parks, cultural works

Stream 2:

• Major extensions to a restaurant dining area that increases seating capacity
• Extensions and/or redevelopment at a wildlife sanctuary
• Development of a new museum or gallery
• Construction of new accommodation offerings
• Development of a new wellness retreat.

Stream 3:

Examples include:

• works to uplift and modernise a 2-star motel to 3.5-stars
• works to improve amenities at camp/caravan sites
• upgrades to lodgings to meet a demonstrated ‘luxury’ market need
• works on shared or private spaces that increases accessibility for all user groups.

This may be achieved through a combination of activities such as:

• increasing comfort through bedroom and bathroom upgrades
• revitalising rooms and shared spaces to create a unique accommodation offering
• improvements to multipurpose areas that contribute to a better visitor experience (pools, barbeque spaces, shower amenities, dining rooms etc)
• accessibility modifications e.g. modifications to showers and vanities, door widening, installation of hoists, ramps and paths.

Activities must be part of a larger project that increases the appeal of the entire accommodation site.

Grant amount

Subject to meeting the program eligibility criteria, applicants may apply for funding under one of the following streams:

Co-contributions are required as part of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 grant funding. The rate of co-contribution varies depending on the applicant.

Program guidelines

Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund 2024 — Program guidelines (PDF 2071.71 KB)

Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund 2024 — Program guidelines (DOCX 123.75 KB)

Supporting templates

Project plan template (DOCX 193.51 KB)

Profit, loss and cashflow projections (XLSX 624.06 KB)

Land owner consent form (DOCX 170.99 KB)

Supporting documents

Supporting documentation checklist (DOCX 176.72 KB)

For further resources to assist you in your application, please visit Tourism and Event's project facilitation page.

Frequently asked questions

Please read the full list of FAQs.

Information sessions

2 information sessions were held online in June to provide further information on the fund and to answer any questions you may have.

A recording of the presentation is available to view.

How to apply

Please read all the information on this page, the program guidelines and the frequently asked questions (FAQs) before applying.

Applications for all streams will close at 2pm on Friday 19 July 2024.

If you have further questions regarding the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024, please contact tourism.projects@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

Apply for Stream 1

Apply for Stream 2

Apply for Stream 3