Cash-in call on business

HOBART needs a new convention centre to cash in on high-spending conference delegates, a business events expert says.

Stuart Nettlefold, who finishes today as chief executive of Business Events Tasmania, said data from the Tasmanian Visitor Survey for 2017 showed the business events sector pumped $119 million in direct spending into the economy. Mr Nettlefold said research by Business Events Tasmania showed conference delegates were the highest spenders in Tasmania’s visitor economy, contributing more than double that of a leisure traveller each day.

“They [delegates] stay for an average of just over 5½ days which includes pre- and postconference touring into the regions,” he said.

“Sixty-three per cent are likely to return for a holiday in three years and nearly all conference delegates — an im- pressive 96 per cent — would recommend Tasmania as a place to visit.”

But he said more action was needed to bring to life a 2015 report led by Business Events Tasmania that called for a feasibility study into how much a convention centre in Hobart would cost.

Mr Nettlefold, who has been chief executive since 2010, said the organisation lobbied the State Government for the study, which is being undertaken by KPMG and due for release this year.

“The [2015] report estimated that with such a facility, business events could potentially contribute an additional $100 million a year in visitor expenditure and about 40,000 extra visitors within 10 years of the centre opening,” he said.

“Tasmania is also growing its share of the lucrative corporate and incentive markets.

“These events often incorporate products such as Penni- cott Wilderness Tours, Willie Smith’s Apple Shed or Bangor Vineyard Shed.

“However, looking to the future, Tasmania, and Hobart as the capital city, seriously needs to plan to keep its competitive edge by addressing conference infrastructure.

“Several capital and regional cities are investing substantially in new convention centres to woo business visitors.”