Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre expansion a win for Victoria’s business events and tourism

THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) applauded the Coalition Government’s Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) expansion announcement today for the significant benefit it will bring to Victoria’s business events and tourism sector.

“This expansion is a key recommendation in our state election agenda to create 9,000 additional jobs through tourism and we have also been a long-time supporter of the need for this project,” said VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

“Business events are responsible for 22,000 Victorian jobs and this will cement Melbourne's position as the Asia-Pacific’s leading business events destination.

“This year's AIDS Convention highlighted that Melbourne does large-scale conventions very well. The expansion of MCEC will ensure that we can continue to be a leader in this sector well into the future, and augers well for continued support of agencies such as Melbourne Convention Bureau.

“The benefits will be seen throughout Victoria, as over half of all conference delegates travel to regional Victoria and over a quarter of all delegates are accompanied by family or friends who undertake leisure travel to regional Victoria.”

Victoria Events Industry Council Chair Peter Jones also welcomed the announcement.

"The Victoria Events Industry Council is delighted with this announcement. Business events is a fiercely competitive sector that sees Melbourne competing not only with Sydney and Brisbane, but also Singapore and other Asian destinations. This expansion ensures we will remain the premier destination in the region,” said Mr Jones.

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The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice. Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au

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