Tuesday 23 October 2007

TASMANIA'S $50 MILLION CONVENTION CIRCUIT
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, today told state parliament about the outstanding performance of the conventions and meeting sector in Tasmania.

Ms Wriedt said that during July, August and September, Tasmania had hosted 36 national conferences and 8,600 delegates.

“We have just had a record September, with more than 4,000 delegates visiting Tasmania to participate in 16 national conventions,” Ms Wriedt said.

“Overall, the September quarter came very close to being the best ever, and more importantly, contributed $18 million to the Tasmanian economy during the winter period.

“The State Government continues to work hard to increase visitor spend and nights through the shoulder and winter seasons, and this effort is clearly reaping handsome dividends for Tasmania.

“We have recently seen an 8 per cent rise in the number of visitors to Tasmania compared with the same period in 2006, the 16 per cent increase in visitor nights.

“This has resulted in a 10 per cent increase in the total amount of money spent by visitors during the period, a fantastic endorsement of Tourism Tasmania’s marketing strategies.

“This is particularly valuable to Tasmania during the quieter winter months because these visiting delegates help hotels, restaurants and other businesses maintain revenue and keep employees in their jobs.

“Through Tourism Tasmania, the State Government contributes over $700,000 to the activities of the Tasmanian Convention Bureau, whose purpose is to market Tasmania as a destination for conventions and meetings.

“Their role also includes providing support to organisations seeking to host these events in our State, and administering the ‘Meet in Tasmania’ incentive scheme for conferences held between May and September.

“Recent research commissioned by the Tasmanian Convention Bureau indicates that conference delegates spend on average just over $2000 per stay.

“It also showed that they stayed an average of just under 5 days, which for many delegates includes spending a couple of days before or after the conference for a short holiday.

“Overall, the research showed that the convention, meetings and incentive sector is worth over $50 million to our island State.

“The Tasmanian Government will continue to be a strong supporter of attracting conventions and events to our State, because we know that they deliver great economic results.

“They also showcase our beautiful island to many delegates who are first time visitors to the State and who are likely to return.”

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

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