Convention centres around Australia have vowed to keep up with the NSW business events industry, which is expected to inject $211 million to the state’s economy this year.
With 59 business events on the NSW calendar this year, Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris last week announced that the state’s economy should see a $40 million boost in the month of March. The NSW economy should see a $211 million benefit from business events by the end of the year, he said, and more down the track following the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre re-development.
“The much needed Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct will provide a catalyst for a new level of collaboration focused on bringing new business, new people and new ideas to Australia’s number one business events destination,” Souris said.
But Sydney’s key competitors aren’t phased by Sydney’s success, with states right across Australia vowing to keep up with NSW with new projects and investments.
The Perth Convention Bureau (PCB) is awaiting a multi-billion dollar redevelopment of its own, which will see new facilities, restaurants and retail outlets open for use by 2015, and is also turning its focus to the lucrative Asia market in a bid to secure longer term events.
“Western Australia is a booming state experiencing major growth,” said PCB spokeswoman, Tracey Cinavas-Prosser. “With occupancy rates at 99% and our close proximity to the Asia market, we expect to see more business than ever in 2012,” she said.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB) chief executive Karen Bolinger stressed she had “no concerns” about Sydney’s success, noting that Melbourne was expecting a $302 million boost from business events over the coming years.
“Melbourne’s list of upcoming business events, pending announcements and lead pool are all extremely healthy. There’s no doubt the city will be seen as a lucrative business events destination for years to come,” she said. MCVB has secured four major international events for Melbourne this year, which are expected to draw 11,000 delegates. Sydney is expected to welcome more than 9,600 delegates in the month of March alone.
