DESTINATION
businesses and organisations out there who are yet to book
in meetings, their annual conference or exhibitions, to rally
behind our tourism industry and choose Australia for their
event this year,” Minister Birmingham said.
“The sector desperately needs our help to protect local
jobs and help communities get back on their feet.”
Bureaux: voices from the regions
Destinations from across the country are falling into line
with Business Events Australia’s message, promoting their
regions and offering information for event planners looking
to lend their support.
The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux,
headed up by CEO Andrew Heibl, has expressed their
support for the campaign, and is reaching out to EAs as well.
“The business events industry will play an integral part
in rebuilding Australia’s visitor economy this year,” their
statement reads.
EAs can speak to a destination’s Bureau directly to get
up-to-date information on what experiences and services
their regions have on offer.
NSW: Book a trip to NSW now
Destination NSW, the lead government agency for tourism
and events in the state has come forward urging EAs and
event managers to ‘book a trip to NSW now’ in their latest
release.
“The majority of the state, including Sydney, South
Coast, North Coast, the Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains, is
now welcoming visitors,” the statement reads.
“When visitors stay local and buy local, it not only
provides a financial boost to these areas but significantly
boosts community spirit.”
Destination NSW has also released a comprehensive
breakdown of venues by destination on their website,
www.meetinnsw.com.au/venue-overview.
South Australia: help them out, #BookThemOut
South Australia was hit hard by the bushfires, with
popular destinations like Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo
Island suffering significant damage. In response, the
South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) launched
a campaign, #BookThemOut, to encourage visitors to the
affected areas.
SATC Chief Executive Rodney Harrex said spending
money in the two regions will put money directly into
the pockets of those affected by the disaster and will
immediately help relieve the stresses on the community.
“Help them out, #BookThemOut is a strong message
that help the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island remain
amazing, unique holiday destinations with incredible
consumer experiences, and these regions need tourism to
thrive and survive,” Mr Harrex said.
Victoria: pledging support
The Victorian Government and Business Events Victoria
(BEV) are throwing their support behind businesses
impacted by the recent bushfires in East Gippsland and
North East Victoria with a pledge initiative.
According to BEV, over 115 organisations have pledged
to hold their events, meetings and conferences in the
bushfire-affected regions. Through the program, the
body hopes to highlight the amazing set of venues and
experiences still on offer.
“As the convention bureau for regional Victoria, BEV
is well placed to assist businesses looking to support this
program. We have the right contacts in the regions and can
connect businesses to the venues that best suit their event
needs,” BEV Executive Officer Chris Porter said.
The road to recovery for regional communities affected
by these devastating fires is going to be a long one. But, EAs
and event managers can help speed up the process. Planning
a conference, retreat or meeting in affected areas will inject
much needed money, support and positive spirit where
it’s needed most. And, despite what mainstream and social
media might portray, the regions’ doors are wide open. S
EAs’ events directly
support affected
communities
EAs organising business events in regional Australia are important for
areas recovering from the bushfires for a number of reasons:
w
Weekday revenue
Tourism businesses in regional areas rely on weekend trips and holiday
periods for the bulk of their tourism business. However, business
events inject money and support into these areas on weekdays
and during off peak times, creating a steady flow of income for
communities that need it.
w High yield
Due to the size of large company conferences, meetings and
conventions, business events represent a high yield for regional
operators. Where a family getaway brings five people, a company
conference will bring 100—boosting the local economy and supporting
the surrounding businesses.
w Legacy
While a business event might only last a few days, the impact it has
on that community lasts much longer. As delegates come home
and tell their family, friends and colleagues about their experience
at a destination, more people are likely to visit and support that
community.
Issue 1 2020 | Chief of Staff 47