AACB: BIZ EVENTS KEY FOR ECO GROWTH

THE Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) has outlined a series of targeted public policy measures that should be implemented to help grow the Australian economy.

“Given one in five dollars spent by international visitors in Australia is spent by an international visitor attending a business event, our sector represents a tremendous growth opportunity – for tourism and for the economy more broadly, as it transitions away from the resources boom,” remarked AACB chief executive Andrew Hiebl.

“The latest industry analysis of bids by Australian cities to host international conventions, exhibitions, incentives and meetings showed convention bureaux have secured 360 international business events across the forward calendar,” Heibl said.

Some of the recommendations highlighted in the 2017-18 Pre-Budget include calls for the Government to invest in a national convention bid fund of up to $10 million per year; allow feefree access to the online Electronic Travel Authority visa scheme for delegates attending major business events; and contribute $10 million to effectively promote Australia as a knowledge economy.

“The business events industry is certain that if these policy proposals were to be adopted and implemented, there would be a high rate of return on this investment,” added Heibl.