Canberra's Business Events results continues growth trend
Canberra Convention Bureau has announced its 2015/2016 annual results which are up 10.1% on last year, winning business worth more than $46 million to the ACT economy. This equates to a 46:1 return on government investment.
A total of 22,249 delegates attended events organised by the Bureau in 2015/16, including 1,855 international delegates. This equates to 65,520 bed nights for Canberra hotels with each delegate spending an average of $537 per day during their stay.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said, “Having grown by 18% in the past year, our local tourism industry now employs almost 16,400 people and contributes $2 billion to the Territory economy – the highest growth rate of any state or territory in the country. Business tourism plays an important role in the success of our tourism sector.
“The growth of business events, highlighted by the Canberra Convention Bureau’s great results today, contributes to our 2020 Tourism Strategy, and helps us realise the tourism potential of Canberra and the region.
“There are so many ways we can grow our business tourism, and direct international flights have opened up new markets for our city when it comes to attracting business events. The ACT Government will continue to support the Bureau, particularly to attract more conventions to the National Convention Centre, which received a $5.3 million upgrade in the 2015-16 ACT Budget, as well as other hotels and events spaces in the National Capital,” said Mr Barr.
Business events put the spotlight on the host city. During the planning phase of events, the Bureau targets delegates and event organisers to showcase the opportunities Canberra has to offer. Canberra Convention Bureau CEO, Michael Matthews, sees demand for what Canberra now offers only continue to increase.
“We promote Canberra region businesses and our local hospitality industry, the national institutions, the people of Canberra, the blue skies and our natural landscape,” Michael Matthews said. “We know how great our city is, and we make sure business event organisers understand how well meetings work in Canberra.”
Hosting events in Canberra not only brings in business dollars during the event. Networking opportunities with experts and industry leaders opens doors to ongoing business. Furthermore, meetings contribute to beyond tourism benefits such innovation, investment and repeat tourism, all valuable legacies stemming from conferences and business events.
CEO Michael Matthews said, “The outstanding result this year has been due to the extraordinary work of the Canberra Convention Bureau team. We have developed a national and international strategy to bring business events to our city, and the hard work is paying off.”
Most exciting of all, is that each year the Bureau has been able to maintain growth in their sector. Over the past 12 months, the Bureau has secured a further 122 new business events for the Capital, ensuring a strong business events pipeline for the destination with the confidence to be able to deliver results for the foreseeable future.
Canberra Convention Bureau 2015/2016 Results Summary
• $46,100,000 in economic benefit for ACT, plus incalculable long term legacy opportunities for industry
• 46:1 return on investment for government
• Result is a 10.1% increase on 2014/15
• 20,394 interstate delegates and 1,855 international delegates coming to ACT (plus possible partners/family)
• 65,520 bed nights for hotels, not including pre and post stays
• $537 per day on average spend by delegates whilst in Canberra
• 122 business events secured over the past 12 months