Major push to get more business events into fire-affected regions

Local businesses and event planners are being urged to hold major conferences and events in Australia this year, under a new push by the Morrison Government to support Australia’s tourism industry.

Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said Tourism Australia’s Event Here This Year campaign was aimed at encouraging organisations to provide a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry by choosing Australia as the destination for their lucrative events.

“Business events are one of the most crucial sectors of our tourism industry delivering huge economic benefits to communities around Australia. However, the sector has taken a hit in recent months with increases in cancelled events as well as a reduction in international event bookings, even in regions that haven’t been affected by the recent bushfires,” Minister Birmingham said.

“This campaign is a call to all of those Australian businesses and organisations out there who are yet to book in meetings, their annual conference or exhibitions, to rally behind our tourism industry and choose Australia for their event this year.”

Many fire-affected regions still have the facilities to host both small and large-scale events, and this campaign encourages organisations to do their research and look at what options might be available for their event right here in Australia.

This is a huge opportunity for Aussie businesses to support communities across Australia, whether it is those in fire-affected regions or other communities across Australia who are also feeling the pain from less visitors.

With one in thirteen Australian jobs related to tourism and hospitality, the sector desperately needs help to protect local jobs and help communities get back on their feet.

Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonno Duniam said the Event Here This Year campaign was supported by the Morrison Government’s $76 million National Bushfire Recovery Fund.

Original source: DFAT
Published on 28 January 2019