The Andrews Government is already declaring today’s Grand Final public holiday a success.

The day off was widely panned by business groups when it was introduced last year, with many businesses deciding to close due to the cost of paying staff public holiday rates.

But Minister for Small Business Philip Dalidakis says the holiday is here to stay, and is proving a boon for tourist operators.

‘We’ve seen a huge uptake in tourism across the regions,’ Mr Dalidakis said.