EEAA backs combination of tourism with trade and investment in new Turnbull Ministry

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has welcomed the appointment of the Steven Ciobo as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Keith Pitt as Assistant Minister.

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio, said combining tourism” with trade and investment is an inspired decision that will allow greater efficiencies in the way industry engages government and leverages opportunities.

DiMascio explained “business Events are important drivers of trade, investment and the visitor economy so the industry is in good hands with Steven Ciobo as the senior Minister.”

DiMascio made reference to the Ernst & Young study, The Value of Business Events to Australia, which showed that in 2013/14, there were 2,157 exhibitions staged in Australia, attracting 9.3 million visitors and over 65,000 exhibitors. The total direct expenditure from exhibitions was $3.1 billion and these events contributed direct value add of $1.5 billion and generated over 21,000 full time equivalent jobs.

She added “Minister Ciobo understands the importance of business events including trade and consumer expos and has first-hand experience of their impact in his own electorate on the Gold Coast.

“He is one of the strongest advocates in the Government for our sector - always was, always will be - and his appointment by Malcolm Turnbull as the senior Minister across these portfolios makes great sense.

“EEAA wrote to the Prime Minister last week urging him to reappoint Minister Ciobo to the Trade and Investment portfolio. We are delighted he has also added Tourism to the Minister’s responsibilities.”

DiMascio said EEAA had a positive relationship with Minister Ciobo and met with him, along with other industry leaders, in the lead-up to the election to discuss the opportunities for exhibitions and events in Australia.

She added “Minister Ciobo has an excellent understanding of the issues and most importantly, he is a passionate advocate for Business Events and Tourism.

“EEAA will continue to work with our colleagues at the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) to continue to impress upon the Government that more support for leveraging the growth potential of Business Events is essential.

“We will continue to drive the message to the Federal Government that a more proactive policy and funding agenda is essential for our industry to prosper.”

DiMascio was encouraged by the alignment of portfolios and said EEAA has made good strides forward in recent years, but that the momentum must be maintained.

The Association also expressed thanks to outgoing Minister for Tourism Richard Colbeck whose position still remains unresolved in Tasmania. 

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