Cairns Convention Centre contributes $85 million boost to regional economy

The Cairns Convention Centre will inject $85 million into the Cairns economy during 2014, hosting over 100 events and 15,000 conference delegates.

The busy hectic year ahead comes after a successful 2013, during which the AEG Ogden managed venue had to recruit extra staff to keep up with demands.

General Manager Ross Steele said the high performance was a result of years of marketing in both the domestic and international spheres.

Steele stated "for the past 10 years we have been very active in the international market promoting Cairns to the business events sector.

"We continue to see these efforts pay off with about 50% of our convention business being international meetings."

The centre will this year host a number of high-profile events including the Australian Tourism Exchange in May, the Parks and Leisure Australia Conference in August and the G20 in September.

Unlike other Cairns establishments which struggled through the economic slump of previous years, the Cairns Convention Centre has continued to inject funds and tourists into the region.

Steele adds "the centre continued to attract business from our main association market, even during the quieter years for the tourism industry.

"However, we are seeing a lift from the corporate sector as budgets are becoming less restrictive.

"We have confirmed business booked up until 2018, and are working with clients on events up to 2022."

With further staff will be hired to meet demands in the coming months, Steele concludes "we have been fortunate to have retained our permanent staffing levels with 41% of our permanent staff having been with the centre for 10 years or more."

3rd March 2014 - CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE SHOWCASES LOCAL PRODUCE TO THE WORLD