THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has welcomed the completion of lease negotiations that will see the construction of the Mornington Peninsula’s Arthurs Seat Skylift.

“Nature-based tourism is vital for the growth of Victoria’s tourism industry and we’re delighted to see the progression of this exciting project,” said VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

The 50-year lease allows for the construction of an all-weather, all-abilities access gondola which is proposed to open in late-2016.

“It is also positive that the State Government will complement the project with $1.5 million in public space upgrades including safety, car parking and other visitor facility improvements, making the attraction more accessible for guests,” said Ms Smith. 

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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THE House Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing in Hobart on Tuesday, 21 July 2015 as part of its inquiry into the Register of Environmental Organisations.

Representatives from environmental organisations and other interested parties will appear before the committee.

Details of the public hearing are as follows:
Time: 9:00 am
Date: Tuesday, 21 July 2015
Location: Conference Room 1, Legislative Council, Parliament of Tasmania,
Cnr Salamanca Pl and Murray St

9.00 am The Bob Brown Foundation
9.30 am Environment Tasmania
10.00 am Tasmanian Land Conservancy
10.45 am Tasmanian National Parks Association
11.15 am Landcare Tasmania
11.45 am Tasmanian Conservation Trust
1.15 pm Tarkine National Coalition
1.45 pm Markets for Change
2.15 pm Mr Ian Sauer

Audio from the hearings will be webcast at: http://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament.

Submissions to the inquiry, including those from the organisations appearing at this hearing, are available at:  http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Environment/REO/Submissions.

Further details about the inquiry, including submissions received and the terms of reference, can be found on the inquiry’s website at: http://www.aph.gov.au/reo.

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NEXT week’s Victorian Tourism Conference 2015 will bring Victoria’s tourism leaders together with policy makers to identify growth opportunities for business in this new chapter for the sector.

“This is a time of transformation for global tourism and we must challenge the status quo in Victoria and work together to reach our potential through 2015 and beyond,” said Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

Over 400 delegates have registered to attend the conference which VTIC is proudly presenting for the second time, in partnership with Tourism Victoria.

“Our conference will bring business and government leaders together to explore this dynamic new chapter for Victorian tourism. It will be an opportunity to get a glimpse of what the future may look like for our industry, through exploring global and local business stories, challenges and triumphs,” said Ms Smith.

Speakers include: 

Dianne Smith
VTIC Chief Executive

Dianne will open the conference on the need for industry and governments to identify and embrace opportunities for growth in the ever-changing tourism sector.

Sir Rod Eddington, AO
Business and aviation leader; Chair of Victoria Visitor Economy Review 2015;
Chairman of Victorian Major Events Company and President of the Australia Japan Business Cooperation Committee.
 
Sir Rod will set the scene for discussion as he shares his thoughts on the broader state of play for Victorian events.
 
Mark Pesce
Futurist, inventor, author, educator and broadcaster.
 
Mark’s ‘Sixty Months to Everywhere’ session will explore the value of digital communication strategies that anticipate and meet the needs of customers on a personal and social level.
 
Shawn Callahan
Founder and Director, Anecdote; Business storytelling consultant.
 
Shawn will advise on how businesses can support their customers to convert experiences into stories.
 
victourismconference.com.au
 
When: 20 – 21 July 2015
 
Where: Level 2, Melbourne Convention Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
 
Full program and schedule victourismconference.com.au/programs/

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BRISBANE has been painted red this week as the city hosts English Premier League giants Liverpool FC for the first time in the club’s 123-year history.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Leanne Coddington, said a crowd of more than 50,000 people was expected to fill Suncorp Stadium tonight when Liverpool FC take on A-League legends the Brisbane Roar.

“This fantastic event is promoted as part of the It's Live! in Queensland events calendar, with thousands of local and international supporters travelling to Brisbane to see the game," said Ms Coddington.

“Brisbane is right behind Liverpool FC’s visit, hosting the club’s official Away-Kit Launch in King George Square, rebranding Caxton Street into Anfield Road for the day, and holding an open training session at Suncorp Stadium last night.

“King George Square has become a fan zone to give supporters the chance to celebrate Liverpool FC’s visit and meet some club legends. 

“This event is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland. We know that events play a vital role in promoting a destination, driving tourism and fostering community pride.”

Chief Commercial Officer Liverpool FC, Billy Hogan, said: “We are delighted with the support for LFC from the city of Brisbane. We first visited Australia two years ago and received a great reception from the Australian fans and we hope this tour visit will be no exception.

“LFC strives to give supporters the chance to see the team up close, no matter how far away from Anfield they live and we are delighted to be able to make this a reality for more of our Australian fans.”

Deputy Mayor of Brisbane, Cr Adrian Schrinner, said this was an opportunity for Brisbane residents to show their colours for their heroes in what would be a blockbuster weekend of football for the city. 

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of Liverpool FC supporters from across Australia and around the world, as they take on our local heroes Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, and we’ll be lighting the Story Bridge red on Friday night to mark the occasion,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Hot on the heels of Liverpool FC’s clash with Brisbane Roar we have Australia taking on the South Africans in the rugby and the Brisbane Broncos clashing with Wests Tigers in rugby league, further reinforcing Brisbane’s reputation for staging world-class sporting events.”

Suncorp Stadium General Manager, Alan Graham, said securing the world famous Liverpool FC had been two years in the making.

“The game against Brisbane Roar will be part of a massive weekend for the Stadium. It will be the first time we’ve hosted a quadruple-header which will see up to 140,000 fans across three football codes through the gates over the four day period," Mr Graham said.

“We will ‘Liverfy’ the Stadium including the re-creation of the famous Kop zone and renaming of stands and bars at the venue in honour of Liverpool legends. We’ve also been working with local businesses to activate Liverpool theming and activities for the full week prior." 

Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and Managing Director, said: “Brisbane Airport is delighted to be a part of the effort to bring Liverpool FC to Queensland.

“The benefits of having such a high profile and internationally recognised team play in Brisbane are obvious and this visit is going to go a long way to help build Queensland’s profile as one of the best places on earth for major events and holiday travel.”

Liverpool FC’s tour to Queensland is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Stadiums Queensland, in partnership with Brisbane Marketing, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Suncorp Stadium, and AEG Ogden. 

www.teq.queensland.com

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