Visitor Information Services (VIS) are designed to enrich the experience of visitors to a region and to encourage them to stay longer.

This is achieved through informing visitors of what to do and see and where to stay. Research on VIS in Victoria, New South Wales and Canada has shown that VIS increase the amount of money visitors spend in a region and they contribute to dispersal. VIS are often, but not always, funded through local councils.

Victorian Accredited VIS Network Reference Group

With the support of the Tourism Events and Visitor Economy Branch of the Victorian Government’s Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, VTIC facilitates the Victorian Accredited VIS Network Reference Group. The group meets bi-monthly to discuss issues affecting the management and operation of accredited VIS across the state.

The Reference Group includes a representative from each of the 12 Victorian tourism regions. Each representative must be connected to an Accredited Visitor Information Service.

The Chair of the Victorian VIS Network Reference Group is Josh Harris of Geelong and the Greater Bellarine.

The Deputy Chair of the Victorian VIS Network Reference Group is Alison Angus of High Country.

Late in 2017, The Reference Group approved the update to the Victorian Accredited Visitor Information Servicing Guidelines. There are a range of amendments for Visitor Information Services to be responsive to a changing visitor environment. A copy of the updated Guidelines can be found here: 2018 Victorian Accredited Visitor Information Servicing Guidelines.