Victorian Tourism (Australia) thriving

The Bracks Government’s support for business tourism and conventions has resulted in a $65 million dollar boost to the Victorian economy in the last year, the Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos announced today.

Mr Pandazopoulos said the great result is another positive indicator for Victorian tourism and showed recent comments from Federal Tourism Minister Joe Hockey betrayed a lack of commitment to the industry by the Federal Government.

Mr Pandazopoulos acknowledged the work of the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB) and the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC) in securing the events, and identifying further opportunities with a potential value of $385 million to the State.

“Following the collapse of Ansett and the events of September 11, the Bracks Government listened to industry concerns and acted with a commitment of $2.3million, to be used in attracting business tourists and conventions to Victoria,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.

“The 28 business events secured by the MCVB is 21 per cent above initial targets and will bring approximately 23,000 delegates to Victoria, who will spend more than 86,000 nights in Melbourne and regional Victorian accommodation.

“Of these 28 events, 20 will be held at the MECC, Australia’s foremost purpose-built exhibition and convention centre.

“The first anniversary of September 11 marks the toughest year ever faced by the Victorian business tourism industry, with international travel out of the United States declining, along with the world economy and one of Australia’s major airlines collapsing.

“Such a positive result shows a solid, global confidence in Melbourne as a safe, viable destination, while also recognising our capabilities as a business tourism city and our first class facilities such as the MECC.

“This great result typifies Victoria’s tourism performance over the past year and follows recently released Melbourne Airport figures showing the number of international passengers arriving in Victoria increased by 1.3% in the 2001/2002 financial year.

“In addition Bureau of Tourism Research figures show that despite the problems facing the industry, Victoria recorded an increase of 8.7 per cent in interstate visitors during 2001,” he said.

Mr Pandazopoulos rejected comments from Federal Tourism Joe Hockey warning the industry was facing a crisis, saying his comments only served to damage confidence among tourist operators and consumers.

“The Bracks Government has proved through initiatives such as its ten million tourism rescue package that included marketing campaigns in Australia and overseas, that the industry can thrive if properly supported,” he said. 

An example of the quality of the events that are coming to Victoria is the IndiaTech 2002 that will be held later this month.

Up to 5,000 visitors are expected in Melbourne for the event, which is the largest trade exhibition of Indian engineering products in the Asia Pacific region. 

“Earlier this year, we launched two key strategies developed by the business tourism industry. Firstly, Think Victoria is a new campaign to mobilise Government, research and industry leaders to help promote Victoria and bring business events to the State. 

“Secondly, the Victoria Meetings and Events Service (VMES), developed in collaboration with the Regional Victorian Conference Group (RVCG), is a new venue-finding service designed to generate more short-term meetings and events business for Melbourne and regional Victoria.

“Think Victoria produced four leads within two weeks of its launch – three are now in the bidding process and one has already been won for Victoria,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.

“VMES has already won six meetings and events for Victoria, with five of those events being held in Regional Victoria. VMES has also prepared proposals for 53 meetings and events with an estimated value of $1.8 million.

“One positive aspect that came out of last year’s tragic events and the subsequent additional funding was the opportunity to investigate new opportunities, including the lucrative Asian market. Current business won out of the Asian market is valued at $18 million,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.