Move events to the bush: ACCI

The Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry is encouraging organisations to relocate their events and meetings to bushfire-affected regions in NSW and Victoria to increase visitation and stimulate local economies, following the launch of Tourism Australia’s Event Here This Year campaign by Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham today.

ACCI has announced it will move its March and July General Council meetings to bushfire-affected regions and supports other Australian business groups to make the change.

“This action is one we hope many organisations will follow in the months ahead,” ACCI CEO James Pearson said.

“ACCI has visited people who own tourism and other businesses in bushfire-affected communities. They’re keen to get back on their feet through their work and this fantastic campaign supports their fighting spirit. Businesses can make a huge difference by visiting the regions with their next event, conference or meeting.”

Australian Chamber-Tourism chair John Hart said Event Here This Year highlighted how lucrative conferences and events could be to regional communities in need.

“The Business Events sector accounts for over $30 Billion in expenditure in Australia and this spend is vital, particularly in the regions,” Mr Hart said.

“Event Here This Year is a great complimentary campaign to the Holiday Here This Year effort announced last week. The fire-affected regions need to regenerate both leisure and business visitation.

“Tourism infrastructure across our regions is largely back up and running – having a meeting or conference in these locations will help them along the road to recovery.

“An event, meeting or conference in the regions supports local hotels, restaurants and transport providers. This support also translates into jobs for workers which is what these communities need right now.”

ACCI and Australian Chamber – Tourism, the peak body for national tourism groups, encourage event planners to visit www.australia.com/businessevents and get involved.