Australian state, Victoria's, A$8.5bn tourism industry will gain A$40.6m in funding over the next four year, under the terms of the State budget just announced.

Tourism minister, John Pandazopoulos, said the package would include:

• A$10m over four years for international marketing

• A$15m over three years to maximise return on existing events and to secure new events for the state

• A$2m over four years to support regional tourism events

• A$3.6m over two years to stage the Australian Tourism Exchange trade show in 2003 and 2004

• A$10m over four years to fund regional marketing campaigns

Pandazopoulous added: This funding comes at a time when the industry is facing enormous challenges. Tourism operators across Victoria have been struggling with the impacts of drought, bushfires, the conflict in Iraq and SARS.

The award follows an A$10m rescue package provided after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attack and the collapse of air carrier, Ansett, and A$2m provided to assist the industry's recovery from the January bushfires. Details: www.budget.vic.gov.au