Australia's business events industry out in force at CIBTM China 2013

Tourism Australia and a delegation of 13 partners from the Australian business events industry are in attendance at the 2013 China Incentive, Business Travel and Meeting (CIBTM) Exhibition in Beijing, from 2nd to 6th September, to showcase the country's latest developments in meetings, incentives, conferences and corporate events.

Highlighting Australia's ongoing investment in business events infrastructure and services is a key focus for the delegation, including the redevelopment of Sydney's Darling Harbour precinct which will be home to Australia's largest convention and exhibition facility when it opens in 2016.

Penny Lion, Head of Business Events Australia, the specialist business events marketing arm of Tourism Australia, explains "incentive trips and corporate meetings have distinct needs that influence the choice of a destination. Australia is well placed to deliver in both respects.

"In addition to infrastructure and service features, Australia's core strengths as an international business destination include capability for innovative team building and for delivering creative events.

"We are providing exclusive experiences for groups and in some instances are offering reward activities that have never been attempted before, as was the case with the record-breaking BridgeClimb that took place as part of the recent Perfect China incentive trip in Sydney.

"With these once in a lifetime experiences, it is easy to revitalise your business team in Australia, enhance team cohesion and increase employee or member loyalty. This is a significant point of difference for our destination and places Australia in a good strong position for working with China."

The Australian delegation represented at CIBTM consists of:

• Adelaide Convention Bureau

• Business Events Sydney

• Brisbane Marketing

• Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

• Crown Hotels

• Dockside Group

• Gold Coast Business Events

• Melbourne Convention Bureau

• Northern Territory Convention Bureau

• Perth Convention Bureau

• Philip Island Nature Parks

• PTC Express Travel

• Sunlover Reef Cruises

Coinciding with the exhibition, Tourism Australia has launched a new Chinese consumer website Australia.cn, the first website of its kind to be developed by Tourism Australia exclusively for an overseas market.

It aims to attract Chinese visitors to Australia by featuring content they find most appealing for a holiday including Australian food and wine, shopping, the relaxed culture, unique wildlife and the diverse landscape. Chinese social media platforms Sina Weibo, QQWeibo, and Kaixin have been linked to the site to allow users to share experiences with family and friends in China.

Resources for event planners have been developed in language to make booking your next business event easy; they include costed itineraries, inspiring case studies, easy access to local contacts and inquiry form for further information.

For more information go to www.australia.cn