Press Release

Monday 28 May 2007

THE MERRY CONFERENCE MONTH OF MAY
Tasmania’s conference and convention industry has been congratulated for exceeding all expectations this month, reporting its best May in four years.

Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, said 16 conferences and conventions were staged right across the State, bringing significant benefits to regions and communities.

“In May a total of 16 conferences have contributed to 3,300 delegates staying in Tasmania in May, with a total of 12,400 bed nights.”

“During the conferences, spend was estimated to be $4.6 million.”

“This figure grows substantially when pre and post touring spending is added, and given that several of the conferences backed onto a weekend, the flow-on affect from delegates would have been significant.”

Ms Wriedt said the May figures were significant, particularly given that five of the conferences each featured more than 300 delegates.

The Tasmanian Convention Bureau’s Chief Executive, Vin Barron, said the results in May came after below average figures for March and April, and were ahead of an average winter where Tasmania can expect just over 5,000 delegates.

“Impressively though, it heralds a very strong spring with nearly 10,000 delegates expected,” Mr Barron said.

“Tourism Tasmania’s recent television and magazine advertising campaign, particularly in the market of New South Wales, has led to more conference enquiries than is normal,” he said.

“It is certainly helping to position Tasmania as a sought after conference destination.”

Ms Wriedt said the Tasmanian Convention Bureau will continue to work with Tasmanian industry operators to secure conferences and conventions for the State, particularly over the traditionally quieter months of the year.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au