Sydney events bring in US$281m revenue

SYDNEY The Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced a record annual result, securing almost US$281 million worth of conferences and other events for New South Wales in 2005/06.

The result eclipses the previous annual record of US$219 million set in 2002/03 and means more than 250,000 extra delegates will visit Sydney between now and 2014. Announcing the results, SCVB managing director Jon Hutchison said the bureau had won bids for 42 business events during the past 12 months, up from 35 the previous year. He said: "Sydney remains Australia's leading city for business events and one of the world's most desirable locations for conferences. "This record result highlights the city's continuing appeal at an international level." Hutchison said the SCVB had achieved a success rate of 72 per cent in bidding for events during the 2005/06 period. He added that the SCVB's results included the Rotary International Convention, which will be held in Sydney in 2014. The event will bring 22,000 delegates to the city from across the globe.