New South Wales has had one in every of its most successful business events years ever, hosting 91 events worth almost $220 million to the State’s economy, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, announced today.
“I am particularly buoyed to work out that regional areas of NSW also are major beneficiaries of industrial events last year and i’m encouraged by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) reporting that NSW’s regions were enjoying increased opportunities for hosting national and international business delegates.
Business Events Sydney is a not-for-profit, independent proprietary company.
“The NSW Government is committed to expanding some great benefits of business events to the regions by enacting a recommendation of the Visitor Economy Taskforce so one can see the advance this year of an integrated Regional Conferencing Strategy led by Destination NSW and Business Events Sydney.
“Destinations equivalent to the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and Wollongong have traditionally been key markets for incentive and reward trips, however the growing sophistication of regional facilities and the cultivation of specalised knowledge hubs are making these destinations increasingly more appealing to the conference and association market.
“Whether it’s rural health in Newcastle, organic horticulture at Bathurst or fisheries at Port Stephens, association clients embrace the chance to take visiting delegates to the coal face to have interaction and collaborate at regional research centres and data hubs and undertake technical tours of those specialty areas,” Mr Souris said.
Mr Souris mentioned that last year saw 60,237 delegates come to Sydney for a complete of 244,453 delegate days, many visiting regional areas and spending time there…and this year is asking much more promising.
“2013 has only just begun, but already BESydney has secured a robust line-up of events for the town, drawing thousands of tourists which are keen to experience one of many world’s most unforgettable destinations first hand.
“So far, 64 events will attract greater than 50,000 business visitors to NSW with an estimated economic impact of $167.1 million to the State.
“Among the secured events for 2013 is the LG Group’s annual incentive program, for you to be held in Sydney for the third time. 930 selected LG staff from Korea will travel to Sydney in waves of fifty – 70 delegates at a time to enjoy a fun-filled itinerary, including visits to the Blue Mountains, sand boarding in Port Stephens and, obviously, tours of Sydney’s famous landmarks.
“Wollongong and the Illawarra have also reaped the advantages of the Government’s efforts, along with BE Sydney and Destination NSW. Wollongong played host to the 15th International Conference on Advances in Materials and Processing Technologies (AMPT) for 300 delegates in September 2012 and may host 400 delegates for the IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics in July 2013.
“The intellectual capital of the award-winning University of Wollongong has helped to draw a various array of leading business events and that momentum is determined to continue.
“The Hunter Valley is another destination to learn with the ideal China Leadership Seminar bringing greater than 3,000 delegates to the region in July adding millions of bucks to the local economy.
“Many of the regions of NSW have their very own unique products, expert suppliers and natural assets to provide the business events market. BESydney and Destination NSW will develop strategies to counterpoint and enhance the opportunities for regional business, institutes and universities to tap into the business event market. The long run for business events in Sydney and NSW is bright,” Mr Souris said.
Mr Souris congratulated BE Sydney for its success in helping to continue to draw a record number business events to NSW.
Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney, said last year’s success can be attributed to BESydney’s expert team and long-term client relationships.
“Critical to this success is the dynamic business environment and innovative researchers based in our State,” she said.