Economic Rebound to Benefit Business Events

Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson has told meetings and events industry leaders that the sector is poised to benefit from the global economic recovery.
Minister Ferguson referred to UN World Tourism Organisation forecasts that global arrivals will rise by between 3 and 4% in 2010. At the same time, Australia's Tourism Forecasting Committee expects business arrivals to Australia to increase by 14% to 820,000.
Minister Ferguson explained that "2009 was a tough year for tourism. The meetings and events sector was caught in the rip of the global economic crisis and the H1N1 virus. We expect both domestic and international demand to grow. Business is picking up, we are seeing resurgence in the resources sector and business events will benefit.
"Australian Governments will spend almost $65 million dollars this year promoting business events.
"As a result of the $20 million partnership between Tourism Australia and industry almost $8 million dollars will be spent on promoting business events to the lucrative international associations and incentives travel markets.
"Funding for business events will also boost delegate numbers at conventions in major cities; promote regional meeting venues in Victoria, New South Wales and Far North Queensland and promote business events in Perth, the Northern Territory, Whitsundays and Tasmania.
"The marketing of Australia's pre and post conference touring options can be the difference between Australia winning or losing a conference bid. Meeting delegates will be made aware of the vibrancy of our cities, our unique national landscapes, our indigenous cultural heritage and the friendliness of our people and many other uniquely Australian experiences through the new Tourism Australia $150 million global tourism marketing campaign.
"The $7.9 billion business events sector adds to the profitability of hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, tour groups and many other tourism related businesses. Through the National Long Term Tourism Strategy we are seeking to remove barriers to further investment by both the public and private sectors in tourism.
"With confidence returning, the Australian Government is putting the right settings in place to help the business events sector make the most of the economic upswing.�?