Melbourne Money helped the City of Melbourne bounce back more quickly following the May snap lockdown compared to previous lockdowns.
Data from pedestrian sensors shows that retail and recreation precincts bounced back up to three times faster than after the February lockdown.
Recovery in Chinatown was up to three times quicker, while recovery at the Flinders Street Station underpass near the riverfront dining district was twice as fast.
Eighty per cent of businesses said they would like to see Melbourne Money repeated - with almost half experiencing a noticeable increase in customers, and many customers spending more than usual.
Some of the restaurants with the highest number of claims included Chin Chin, Old Beijing, Thai Town, Shark Fin Inn, Sal Telmo, Supernormal, Mo Vida, Kisumé, Gimlet, and Farmer's Daughter.
Melbourne Money was offered in partnership with the Victorian Government as part of its $107.4 million contribution to bolster City of Melbourne businesses and bring back the buzz.
Attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp:
"Melbourne Money brought visitors into the city in droves to support more than 3000 of our incredible restaurants, cafes and bars," the Lord Mayor said.
"Business owners have told us that customers who knew about the scheme visited more often, and spent more on their meal.
"The scheme accelerated recovery by three times in retail and recreation districts like Bourke Street Mall, Chinatown and Swanston Street. Melburnians brought the city to life by enjoying live entertainment, shopping, and sports while taking advantage of a cheaper meal.
"On the final weekend of Melbourne Money, the city was buzzing with pedestrian activity at around 85 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
Attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Roshena Campbell:
"Melbourne Money began immediately following Melbourne's fourth lockdown. The program gave a 20 per cent rebate to diners who spent between $50 and $500 in the City of Melbourne," Cr Campbell said.
"More than 270,000 claims were approved with the program pumping over $40 million into Melbourne's economy. Around 85 per cent of customers told us Melbourne Money was a key factor in their decision to visit the city.
"Sadly since Melbourne Money our city has been subject to two further lockdowns. It is clear that Melbourne Money worked to drive economic recovery. I can see the necessity of delivering further initiatives like it to ensure Melbourne recovers after this sixth lockdown."
Quotes from hospitality businesses
Thomas Auer, Ponyfish, Melbourne CBD
"When the scheme began we immediately felt an upswing in excited guests wanting to enjoy the Melbourne scene at its fullest. With full confidence in spending through the Melbourne Money scheme, we found ourselves starting to feel like normal again. It feels great knowing that there is support and ongoing initiatives to help guide us through this maze of a year. We look forward to working with the City of Melbourne towards revitalising and supporting the Melbourne hospitality community into the future."
Linda Chen, Affinity on Errol, North Melbourne
"Melbourne Money helped to bring people to the area and for us, it's a bonus. People tend to spend a bit more to just take advantage of the rebate. It was easy to use once we have the QR code in the café, that way people save time filling in the information."
Thomas Tang, 852 Hong Kong Cafe, Melbourne CBD
"Melbourne Money worked very well. Groups of two people would order more food to make the claimable amount and customers were paying attention to their receipt amount. We also received new customers because of Melbourne Money."
