New fund targets top travellers

FEDERAL Minister Steven Ciobo plans boosting lucrative business travellers into Australia and the Gold Coast with a new fund to help attract conferences and conventions.

The Gold Coast-based Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister will today unveil a new $12 million Federal funding pot spread over three years to give Australia an edge competing for business events.

Called the Bid Fund Program, it will be managed by Tourism Australia’s dedicated unit, Business Events Australia.

It is the country’s first Federal events bidding fund.

The funding will be used at the crucial bidding stage to help locations win events, enabling bidders to throw enticements at conference groups.

Mr Ciobo said the country needed visitors who were going to spend more, “get away from the big cities to places like the Gold Coast and importantly come back for another trip”.

“This is the type of traveller attracted by business events.

“The Business Events sector is one of Australian tourism’s most lucrative, with visitors spending, on average, twice as much as those on leisure holidays,” Mr Ciobo said.

“The more conventions, conferences and exhibitions Australia hosts, the more toptier travellers we’ll get visiting our country and city.

“Hotels, restaurants, transport services and entertainment all benefit when there’s a big convention in town.

“The Turnbull Coalition Government wants to grow this lucrative sector so cities like the Gold Coast can secure big events and reap the benefits.

“Australia and the Gold Coast has a lot to offer; our natural beauty, safety and stability, and friendliness. It’s the perfect base to build a thriving business events sector.”

Applications for the Bid Fund Program open May 1, with access to funds for successful applicants available from July 1.