Fifty lucky winners are planning a well-earned holiday in Warrnambool after winning a $200 accommodation voucher.
The vouchers were part of a competition organised by the Warrnambool City Council to support local accommodation providers and the wider tourism sector - industries among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The competition attracted more than 1800 entries from across Australia, with entrants asked to explain in 25 words or less why they want to wake up in Warrnambool.
Warrnambool City Council Director City Growth Andrew Paton said that travel vouchers had proved a popular method of COVID-19 business support.
"The Victorian, South Australian, Western Australian, Northern Territory and Tasmanian governments all introduced travel voucher programs, which shows that they are seen as an effective way to provide direct benefits to the accommodation and tourism sectors," he said.
"This is at least $10,000 in cash going directly to Warrnambool accommodation venues, and we would expect many of the winners to pay for accommodation on top of their $200 prize to extend their holiday and make the most of what our part of the world has to offer."
In the 12 months to September 2020, the Great Ocean Road Region saw 1.8 million domestic overnight visitors spend an average of $491 each per trip, according to the latest data from Business Victoria.
Mr Paton said that the competition was designed so that winners would travel outside of the peak holiday season to provide support to businesses after the busy summer period.
"Visitor spending in Warrnambool this summer is on track to exceed the previous summer, which is a real positive for our accommodation and tourism operators looking to recover from the significant impact of COVID-19," Mr Paton said.
"Winners have between March 1 and June 30 to travel, a time of year when visitation is generally lower and tourism-focused businesses could really use a boost.
"The submissions were really touching, and we saw clear trends that people value the safe family-friendly appeal of Warrnambool, the beautiful scenery and great shopping and eating.
"While we could only have 50 winners, the competition put Warrnambool front of mind for many more prospective travellers looking for their next getaway."
A selection of entries from competition winners:
Busy medical worker in desperate need of physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation. Warrnambool looks like my ultimate dream escape for total rest and complete relaxation!
I would love to wake up in Warrnambool and after exploring the rugged coastline, wash away my worries at the hot springs.
The relaxed atmosphere, the excellent child friendly beaches and playgrounds, great coffee and food, and lovely, friendly people. An amazing place!
Waking up to the smell of the ocean, walking to the beach with a coffee and enjoying some relaxed family time sounds incredible in Warrnambool!
Warrnambool is a jewel of the Southwest. Fine dining, beaches, art centre. Great vibe in this coastal town.
We love the family- friendly beach, the lake pertobe adventure playground, the cafes, the pathways to scoot along, and the scenery.
I would love the chance to show my two boys (3 and 4) where their ancestors came from. We are Gunditjmara, but the kids haven't been yet.
For the smiles, snuggles and pure joy of family time together. The coastline, the wildlife, the untouched beauty. Where else but Warrnambool?
