Representatives from 29 regional NSW conferencing locations and meeting facilities met and had the opportunity to pitch to 3,000 event planners and suppliers at 2020 AIME (Asia-Pacific Incentives Meetings Event) who were bidding for future business.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said regional conferencing will play a vital role in the recovery of regional NSW communities, following the devastating bushfires and ongoing drought, which is why the Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, is providing this support to businesses to attend AIME.
"We know that business events generate extra income for our local operators – in fact, business visitors spend 33% more than leisure visitors in regional NSW, injecting a financial boost into our local economy.
"In 2020, 11 first time attendees joined 18 returning suppliers to make up NSW's largest delegation ever," Minister Ayres said.
"AIME provides new and increased business opportunities for these venues, and drives event planners to the 'Meet in Regional NSW' website – a one-stop shop showcasing NSW's 700+ venues and business event suppliers."
To further support the sector, the NSW Government recently announced an expanded partnership with the NSW Business Chamber and Business Events Sydney, driving more meetings, conferences and business events across NSW.
The support complements the Government's $10 million Tourism Recovery package to boost visitation to NSW, fund new local events and assist businesses develop, promote and sell their tourism products.
