River region promoted

02 Mar 2016 Cobram Courier, Cobram VIC (General News) The Murray River region will feature in a new tourism marketing campaign aimed at growing regional Victorias appeal as a world-class destination. New campaign Wander Victoria encourages Melburnians to travel to the regions for a magical getaway and began airing on Sunday. Tourism contributes $11.4 billion to the regional economy each year and employs more than 110 000 regional Victorians. Wander Victoria will put regional Victoria front and centre to Melburnians and intrastate travellers, who make up 81 per cent of overnight visitation to the regions. Over the coming months, viewers will come to know friends as they reconnect and rediscover the length and breadth of regional Victoria, sampling our culinary delights and touring our great natural treasures. All corners of regional Victoria will feature from the most iconic attractions to the quaint hidden gems. The Murray is Australias longest river, the lifeblood of Victorias food bowl and runs through some of the states most picturesque historic towns and provides some of Victorias most vivid natural landscapes. Visitors can captain a houseboat and drift leisurely from town to town, or climb aboard an iconic paddle steamer. Many time their trip to combine with the music, wine or cultural festivals throughout the year. Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren said the ambitious tourism marketing campaign aimed to sell regional Victorias great strengths like never before. We want to remind Melburnians that there is a wealth of truly magical experiences right on their doorstep, he said. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the Murray region was a must-see for all Victorians. Its etched in our states folklore, and its a sight to behold, she said. Regional Victoria relies on tourism. It creates jobs for more than 110 000 regional Victorians. Its crucial we invest in the sector. For more information, see www.wandervictoria.com Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)