Friday 28 September 2007

TOURISM CONVENTION BOOST
Tasmania’s convention industry, which is already enjoying a bumper season, is being further boosted by the release of a new edition Meeting and Incentive Planners Guide.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, today launched the 2007/2008 Meeting and Incentive Planners Guide: a comprehensive reference publication used to organise conferences, meetings or incentives in Tasmania.

“It’s resources like this that have enabled Tasmania to experience the best September on record for convention visitors, with more than 4,000 delegates attending 16 national conferences.

“In fact, the whole September quarter is very close to being the best on record with a total of 8,600 delegates participating in 36 national conferences during July, August and September.

“The conventions industry is particularly important to Tasmania as it helps hotels, restaurants and other businesses to maintain revenue, and keep employees in jobs during the quieter winter months.”

Ms Wriedt said conferences, meetings and incentive programs, represent a worthwhile opportunity for the Tasmanian Convention Bureau’s 180 member businesses, as well as the State and Local Governments.

In addition to outlining attractions and experiences, the guide provides information on more than 200 businesses that offer convention, meeting and incentive products and services.

“The guide is provided free to more than 2,500 association and company meeting planners throughout Australia, and is also distributed at international tradeshows, here and overseas.

“The images in the Guide convey to meeting planners that Tasmania really is one of the most inspiring destinations in the world - famous for its spectacular natural attractions, cultural heritage, fine wine and food, and its hospitable people.”

The guide is also available as an interactive resource on the Tasmanian Convention Bureau’s website.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

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