Commitment to upgrade Puffing Billy facility applauded by tourism industry

VICTORIA’s peak tourism industry body has applauded the Victorian Coalition’s commitment to upgrading visitor facilities at Puffing Billy’s Belgrave Station if re-elected.

“By investing in attractions like Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Puffing Billy, Victoria is supporting a raft of experiential opportunities that draw visitors to, and around, our state,” said Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

“Government support for upgrades and expansions of these iconic attractions is vital to supporting our industry to capitalise on the anticipated significant visitor growth and deliver excellent experiences for guests.”

Ms Smith’s comments follow the Victorian Coalition’s pledge today to invest $2.15 million to improve food and beverage facilities at Puffing Billy’s Belgrave Station if re-elected.

Upgrading the Puffing Billy facilities to improve the visitor experience is a priority in VTIC’s 2014 state election agenda to grow tourism in Victoria.

“We welcome this announcement as VTIC wants to see initiatives that will create jobs and support tourism growth. Investments in the Phillip Island Nature Parks, Grampians Peaks Trail, Sovereign Hill and the Shipwreck Coast remain outstanding opportunities for policy makers that we will continue to urge commitment to,” said Ms Smith.

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice.

Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au

 

ENDS