NSW welcomes record numbers of business events

New South Wales has experienced one of its most successful periods in its events hosting history, according to the Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris, with up to 103 business events secured in 2011/12 financial year.

Congratulating Business Events Sydney (BESydney), Minister Souris explained that the events were contributing $225.6 million to the NSW economy, a 21% increase on the previous year.

Minister Souris stated "this is a record number of event wins and ... is the third highest economic delivery in the organisation's history.

"Sydney's ongoing success as a business events destination is a clear indication of the Harbour City's appeal, which extends beyond our strong leisure industry to the State's broad strengths across commerce, creativity, culture, natural beauty and of course our strong, internationally-recognised knowledge base.

"This great result from our business events sector is a good indicator that the NSW Governments targets to double tourism expenditure by 2020 are ambitious and achievable.

"Sydney has won a slew of international awards with the latest from Travel+Leisure magazine as well as a long list of international honours collected in the last 18 months, including number one city in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, Lonely Planets World Best Summer City award and worlds best festival and major events city by the International Festival and Events Association.

"This result from BESydney confirms our State's global reputation for excellence and also the organisation's expertise in securing valuable events for NSW."

Business Events Sydney Chief Executive Lyn Lewis-Smith added "our success last financial year can be contributed to our expert team, our long-term client relationships across the association and incentive sectors, and the strong support of our stakeholders both public and private sector. A collaborative approach is essential.

"My team has been working solidly and strategically, with the support of our strategic partners and members, to ensure that Sydney is maximising opportunities to bring business events to our shores. Our focus is on events that are high-profile, high-yield or linked to the NSW Government's priority industry sectors. Beyond the visitor economy, we are also securing events that will help to drive the State's knowledge economy."

According to results, NSW broke records in the number of Asian events held in the state with up to 33 events from the region.

Lewis-Smith said the Group hoped to maintain and build Asian business over the coming financial year through proactive marketing in South and North Asia.

For more information go to www.businesseventssydney.com.au/

Image: Luna Park Sydney