Businesses in the tourism sector with project ideas to bolster the state’s visitor economy are encouraged to apply for the latest round of Victorian Government funding – as Chamber member Dal Zotto Wines outlines how a grant helped propel its business growth.

Hindsight is a funny thing. Had we known the COVID-19 wrecking ball was coming for us, we would have ducked for cover. We can’t use that excuse anymore.

Just when we thought it was smooth sailing, we’ve hit a slight bump with the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron. I know many of you may be experiencing familiar feelings of anxiousness this week with the news of Omicron emerging across the world and here in Australia.

The Victorian Chamber is seeking to secure better business conditions for our members in the tourism, accommodation and events sectors. Have your say by completing our quick, 10-minute survey and help us develop a viable vision for Victoria's visitor economy.

Australia really is the lucky country. We are spoilt with some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural environments in the world. From beaches to snowfields, mountains to desert, we have it all.

As Victoria emerges from COVID-19, the State Government has bolstered the confidence of organisers of creative, sporting, business and community events to plan and stage events with an interruption insurance scheme and restart package.

Well, we made it through, and Christmas is now on our doorstep.

Welcome to our first edition of Victorian Chamber News for 2022. We know that staff shortages, supply chain issues, isolation requirements, density limits and lack of accessibility to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) continue to cause difficulty and stress and the Victorian Chamber team is working hard to ensure your voices are heard and practical solutions can be found.

In partnership with Crown Melbourne, the Victorian Chamber is running free online seminars designed to help regional businesses bounce back after consecutive lockdowns and sparse tourism.

If you were lucky enough to get in a break over the school holidays, you would have noticed the crippling effect that Covid-19 is having on our small businesses across the state.

After multiple postponements as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported by Crown Melbourne has announced its highly anticipated Regional Business Recovery Roadshow will become a free online series. The business recovery sessions will include practical information for farmers, suppliers and producers on how to respond to tenders and understand the decision-making criteria for large hospitality vendors. The Victorian Chamber will also brief attendees on our Federal and State Budget submissions and our visitor economy policy platform.

The Victorian Chamber applauds National Cabinet’s decision to reopen Australia's borders to all double-vaccinated visa holders on February 21, following an announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

It’s the report that you helped us create, and one that might well sharpen the focus on what Victoria needs to do to be the best state to operate a business in. I’m very proud of to release the Cost and Ease of Doing Business in Victoria Taskforce Report.

The Victorian Chamber was pleased to partner with Crown Melbourne on business recovery webinars designed to help regional businesses bounce back following consecutive lockdowns and sparse tourism.

Great news this week with several positive developments to set us on a cracking pace for our state’s COVID-19 recovery.

Yesterday we celebrated International Women’s Day, a global event marking the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and amplifying the call for diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.