Travel figures show need for MCEC expansion as a priority

 

VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone said the release of Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey results highlights the need for both major parties to commit to expanding the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey shows that for the year ended June 2014 in Victoria, visitor numbers increased 11% to 2,049,000 and expenditure increased 8% to $4,886,000," Mr Stone said.

"This growth exceeded that of the nation as a whole, where visitor numbers increased by 8% to 6,147,000 and total trip expenditure increased 7% to $30,101,000.

"The number of visitors traveling to Australia for the purpose of business is unchanged on the previous year at 822,000.

"It’s positive to see visitor numbers and expenditure increasing for Victoria overall, but growing business visitation must be a priority."

VECCI’s 2014 state election agenda, Taking Care of Business, calls for both major parties to commit to expanding MCEC to take advantage of the lucrative business events sector.

"MCEC currently turns away 17% of potential new events due to capacity constraints," Mr Stone said. "The $300 million investment in the expansion is estimated to generate an excellent return to Victoria of $150 million annually through its contribution to the state’s business events sector."

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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