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