Guidelines for the Regional Events and Innovation Fund (REIF) to support businesses to secure and develop a strong calendar of regional events for Victoria were released today.

The $2 million fund, which was announced by the Victorian Government in their 2018/19 Victorian Budget, will be administered by Visit Victoria and provide regions with the capacity and resources to continue planning to cater for the growing local visitor economy through the support of unique regional initiatives that align with the state and regional tourism brands.

As an expansion to the existing Regional Events Fund announced in 2016/17, the REIF will help deliver on the objectives of the Victorian Visitor Economy Strategy (2016 – 2020).

Visit Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Peter Bingeman welcomed the announcement of funding which will support the implementation of projects to increase regional visitation.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Victorian Government in the development and execution of the new Regional Events and Innovation Fund (REIF).”

“Regional events are vital to the health and growth of the visitor economy across the state, help local communities thrive, and encourage further investment in the regions.”

“This is why Visit Victoria has proudly supported the delivery of more than 160 regional events since our inception in 2016 and delivered a dedicated regional marketing campaign to drive visitation.”

Applications for the REIF will open on the 21 May 2018 and must be received for events to be delivered between September 2018 and 30 June 2019.

How to apply:

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest possible opportunity and take into consideration the following key dates: