TASMANIA WELCOMES GROWTH

AFTER a year of highs in 2017, Business Events Tasmania is looking to capitalise on recent success in the year ahead.

For 2018, the bureau has 71 business events confirmed so far, which will bring 17,554 delegates to Tasmania.

Business Events Tasmania ceo Stuart Nettlefold said forward activity meant Tasmania would remain busy for business events.

“We’re still working on a number of active bids. It’s very positive for us with the momentum ticking upwards,” Nettlefold said.

Large conferences set to be held in 2018 include a Hong Kong incentive group with 600 delegates, while the Sweet Adelines Australia Annual Convention at Wrest Point in Hobart will also bring 600 delegates in May.

The year ahead will also see the opening of the Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston in Apr and the debut of Marriott International in Tasmania towards the end of the year.

The Marriott will have a 128 rooms, located near Salamanca Place at Parliament Square.

Looking back on 2017, Nettlefold said Sep to Nov were good months for the convention bureau and the state, with several major national and int’l conferences occurring.

“2017/18 is a very strong year based off our data, it allowed us to show what we offer from our venues, to the proximity of our small compact cities.”

“There is also the walk-ability factor, combined with our natural assets,” he said.