The ACT Government has announced both the renewal of the Canberra Convention Bureau’s three year ongoing base funding and an additional $400,000 over two years to encourage more business visitors to Canberra.

“We commend the ACT Government for the announcement of this funding as it will enable the Bureau to continue its valuable contribution to the growth of the Canberra economy by encouraging organisation to choose Canberra as their conference destination” said Robyn Hendry, CEO of the Bureau.

This financial year the Canberra Convention Bureau will reach the growth target of $41.5 million in confirmed business secured during 2012-13. This is on track with the five year strategic plan of 25% growth to $45.6 million by 2015.

“On the back of a successful Centenary year the additional funding will enable us to maintain momentum into the future” Hendry said. “This is will also extend our reach at a time when we will be seeing the closure of the Sydney Convention Centre and the expansion of the Adelaide Convention Centre”.

“Conferences and business tourism continue to show strong growth across Australia and it is important for the Bureau to capitalise on this for the ACT” she said. “Our success would not be possible without the continuing support of the ACT Government and the business community of the Canberra region”.

The Bureau was also pleased to see the provision for a feasibility study of the Australia Forum within the City to the Lake feasibility studies.

“It is vital that we continue to progress the Australia Forum”  Hendry said. “Without facilities like this on the drawing board we will not be able to meet continued demand high quality facilities or host important meeting for Canberra”