Australian business events market valued at up to USD21.8bn p/a

Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steve Ciobo Attracting reported (15-Mar-2018) the international business events market is valued at AUD14 billion (USD10.9 billion) to AUD28 billion (USD21.8 billion) p/a to the Australian economy, and business event visitors spend, on average, twice as much as those visiting for leisure. Business travellers also often extend their stay to regional parts of Australia and are likely to return for a holiday in the future. As previously reported by CAPA, the Australian Government recently announced an AUD12 million (USD9.3 million), three year 'Boosting Business Events Bid Fund', managed by Tourism Australia, to build on its existing activities in the business events space to increase awareness and demand for Australia as a business events destination. Applications for the programme will open on 01-May-2018, with access to funds for successful applicants available from 01-Jul-2018. [more - original PR]