Events to drive Australia's future tourism strategy

The business events industry in Australia will be strongly represented in the development of the country's future tourism strategy following the appointment of Karen Bolinger, president of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB),and AEG Ogden chief executive, Harvey Lister  to the Beyond Tourism 2020 Steering Committee.

Australia's minister for trade, tourism and investment, Steven Ciobo, convened the first meeting of the Beyond Tourism 2020 Steering Committee in Sydney earlier this month (Februrary 09), which is tasked with developing a long-term tourism strategy that will drive and facilitate growth. 

Following the meeting, AACB chief executive, Andrew Hiebl, said: “The AACB commends the federal government on this initiative and welcomes the opportunity for the business events industry to contribute to Australia’s tourism strategy beyond 2020.

“This is great recognition of our industry which is not only a high-yielding contributor to the visitor economy, valued at over AU$30 billion in direct expenditure, but is also a strategic tool for attracting trade, investment and global talent."

He added: “Over recent years, the AACB has played a leading role in advocating to federal government on behalf of the business events industry, identifying and addressing issues and opportunities for industry recognition and growth.”

The AACB and its members represent a network of more than 1,700 tourism and events businesses across Australia.