2 minute read
Event Here This Year
Event by Shangri-La asks Robin Mack, Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager Commercial & Business Events Australia, to share insights into the ongoing efforts to urge Aussies to Event Here This Year again in 2022. HOW CAN A MICE VISIT HELP BOOST THE ECONOMY IN A PLACE LIKE CAIRNS?
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Business events are a critical part of Australia’s visitor economy and play a key role in generating valuable tourism activity, trade, investment, and employment opportunities. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, international business event visitors spent on average 74 per cent1 more per night compared to leisure visitors. When Amway China held its month-long 2019 leadership seminar in Tropical North Queensland, the company brought more than 6,000 delegates to the region and was estimated to have injected $40 million into the region’s economy.
this year The business events industry adds billions to the Australian economy and now, as we enter another year of COVID uncertainty, holding MICE events at home is more important than ever for those communities that depend on these dollars.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ORGANISATIONS TO SCHEDULE EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA?
The recovery of Australia’s business events industry will be led by Australian businesses and associations choosing to hold events in their own backyard. And what a backyard we have! Our destinations offer some of the most unique experiences in the world – it’s not every day you can snorkel the world’s largest coral reef system or explore one of the oldest rainforests – both of which are on the doorstep of Cairns. Combine this with a very experienced business events industry, that has a reputation for delivering extraordinary events that exceed expectations, and you have a winning combination for your next event. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES FOR A COMPANY TO EVENT IN AUSTRALIA?
Our industry has been delivering COVID-safe events throughout the pandemic, providing clients with flexibility so they can plan with confidence, ultimately minimising risk for businesses. Our international research tells us Australia offers so many opportunities for business events with our cities brimming with world-class hotels, venues and restaurants (and) our region’s home to luxury accommodation and unique experiences. With increasing rates of vaccination enabling restrictions to ease, businesses are looking for opportunities to bring teams back together and create meaningful connections.
