Australian Chamber-Tourism, the peak body of Australia's tourism organisations, welcomes changes to the Government's $12 million Business Events Bid Fund Program announced today by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator, the Hon Simon Birmingham.
Changes include:
- Lowering the number of international delegates confirmed for Association events from 500 currently to 400;
- Lowering the number of international delegates confirmed for Incentive events of a minimum value of $3 million from 1,000 currently to 700;
- Lowering the level of matched funds required from applicants from $100,000 currently to $50,000;
- Extending applications for event travel up to 30 December 2024.
"Business Events is a critical part of Australia's visitor economy with over $13.5 billion in direct value added in 2013-14," Australian Chamber-Tourism Executive Chair John Hart said.
"Changes made to the Business Events Bid Fund program will facilitate and support greater numbers of bids, particularly from smaller centres hosting conferences, exhibitions and conventions, increasing the number of business events in Australia.
"This will create flow-on benefits to small and medium business in regional centres, boosting visitation and spend as well as growing employment.
"Over 180,000 direct jobs were created by business events in 2013-14 and this number has grown rapidly over the past decade.
"These positive changes will go a long way in supporting organisations to attract new business events to Australia."
