Regional Travel Voucher Scheme launches in Victoria

Applications for the first of 120,000 travel vouchers - which will help families explore regional Victoria this summer, will open at 10am.

The aim of the vouchers is to encourage Victorians to explore their back yard while supporting regional communities that have been hit hard by a disastrous year.

The first batch of 40,000 vouchers - which are valued at $200 each, can be used for travel any time from December 12-January 22.

Successful applicants will be able to redeem their vouchers after they return home and vouchers will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

Tourism minister Martin Pakula said Victorian families deserved a holiday more than ever.

"A bit more money in people's pockets means they can see more and do more in regional Victoria - helping local businesses and the people and communities they support to bounce back," he said.

"Whether it's a trip to a winery region or a tour along one of our stunning stretches of coastline, you can't take a wrong step in regional Victoria."

The second and third batches of 40,000 vouchers will become available on January 20 for travel between January 27 and April 1 and on March 30 for travel between April 6 and May 31.

Any vouchers not used in the first two rounds will be added to the third round.

The $28 million regional travel voucher scheme is part of the government's $465 million Victorian Tourism Recovery Package.

It is open to Victorian residents aged 18 or over when they spend a minimum of $400 on accommodation, experiences or tours in regional Victoria within the specified periods.

Vouchers are limited to one per household and travellers will need to spend at least two nights in paid accommodation in regional areas of the state to qualify.

Applicants can register through the Business Victoria website from 10am.

If successful, they will be provided with a link to redeem the voucher after their travel is completed.

To apply click here.