The City of Sydney will invest a further $1.5 million to promote Sydney as a world-class conference city, attracting tens of thousands of visitors who will contribute millions to the local economy.
The City will invest $500,000 a year over the next three years in Business Events Sydney (BESydney), to assist in stimulating and supporting this important market.
BESydney is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that promotes Sydney as a global business events destination. It identifies opportunities and bids to win events for the city, from youth travel events to international medical conferences.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said providing financial backing for business events was vital for the health of the city’s economy, and Sydney had world-class venues and workers.
“The international market for business events is increasingly competitive, with more cities than ever vying to secure these valuable events, so it’s essential that we help promote Sydney to the world,” the Lord Mayor said.
“All levels of government need to work in partnership to secure business events for Sydney and secure our city’s credentials as a world class events destination.
“We welcome the NSW Government’s plans to build a new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, which will allow us to stay ahead of the curve.
“It will enhance Sydney’s position as a regionally significant, globally connected city while boosting the local economy through increased tourism and industry spend.”
Deputy Premier the Hon. Andrew Stoner MP, who will be leading delivery of the new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, welcomed the investment and the opportunity to work together for the benefit of Sydney and NSW.
“As BESydney’s major supporter, the NSW Government recognises the value that business events deliver to our visitor and knowledge economies,” Mr Stoner said.
“Business event delegates stay, shop, eat, celebrate, explore in our city helping to drive demand for our tourism providers. As part of an aligned economic development strategy, these events also stimulate trade and investment opportunities for local businesses, fuel knowledge exchange, and more broadly promote innovation and productivity.
“NSW is already the preferred Australian destination for international meetings and we want to ensure that we stay on the front foot.
“I congratulate Lord Mayor Clover Moore for recognising the ongoing value of business events to our state, beyond tourism dollars, and for making this valuable investment in our shared future, and I look forward to working with BESydney, the City of Sydney and industry to attract business events from around the world to Sydney.”
Chief Executive Officer of BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith, welcomed the investment as the final piece in a truly collaborative approach to securing business events for the city and NSW.
“Sydney is recognised globally as a leading destination for business events. Our future success will be underpinned by a whole-of-city approach to attracting, winning and delivering world-class conferences, corporate meetings and incentive programs,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.
“All levels of government, industry groups and the vast network of industry suppliers need to collaborate. The increased support that will now come from the City of Sydney is the final piece in the puzzle and we are very excited by the opportunities this partnership will bring.”
Last financial year, Business Events Sydney secured 103 events for Sydney. It’s estimated these events will have an economic impact of $225.6 million and attract approximately 58,000 visitors when they take place over the coming years.
The Lord Mayor said hosting business events helped to cement Sydney’s position as a global city.
“The City places a high priority on support for business and we are committed to actively participating in building a flourishing economy at all levels.”
(Source: Sydneymedia.com.au)
