The Canberra Convention Bureau is delighted by the figures released today 16 Sept)  by Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson, showing the positive performance of domestic tourism and a continued increase in the lucrative business travel market across Australia.

The local conference and business event market has always been a strong economic performer, bringing $990 million to the Canberra economy each year.

Robyn Hendry, CEO of the Bureau said that the results released by the Minister are very pleasing and reflect a number of large events that were hosted in Canberra during that period, including:

– National Conference of Early Childhood Intervention – May 2010 (approx. 500 people for 3 days);

– Royal College of Nursing Annual Conference – May 2010 (approx. 400 people for 2 days);

– NSW Rural Fire Service Association – June 2010 (approx. 450 people for 3 days);

– 2010 Native Title Conference – June 2010 (approx. 300 people for 4 days);

– Amway conference (Network 21) at the National Convention Centre – June 2010 (2000 people for 2 days); and

– A range of political events leading up to the Federal election

“Canberra is seeing the benefits of being strategic about conference bids with the involvement of complimentary knowledge sectors,” Hendry said.
“These positive results should be encouraging for the local industry as we move into the second quarter of a new financial year.”

Steve Gower, Chair of the Canberra Convention Bureau Board, said business tourism remains a key part of the Canberra economy.

“We have long known the business tourism is vital for the Canberra economy and this growth is reflected in the Canberra Convention Bureau’s sales figures for 09-10 which showed growth of nine per cent,” said Gower.  “There are also ongoing benefits to the city as conference delegates often return to the destination as leisure tourists.”

For more information on holding your next conference or event in Canberra click here.