CORPORATE EVENTS POWER INTO 2012

THE city’s business events sector is booming. In 2010-11 it hosted 103 more meetings than the previous financial year – a 9 per cent increase.

Tourism brings $4 billion to the Gold Coast’s economy each year, with $3.1 billion coming from the leisure sector, while $350 million was contributed by business expenditure in 2011.

Gold Coast Tourism chief executive officer Martin Winter says 1203 domestic and international business events were held in the city last financial year, making it the most popular destination in the state.

“Our $4 billion tourism industry is underpinned by the popularity of the Gold Coast as a leisure destination and this is also reflected in our ability to not only attract more business events, but also our ability to attract, on average, more participants to every event,” says Winter.

“But the number which really speaks volumes about the Gold Coast’s popularity as a business events destination is that we attracted almost 50 per cent more delegates to our business events than any other destination in Queensland.”

Not only did the city attract more delegates than anywhere else in the state, but they stayed longer too. The average stay of 4.5 days is almost twice the average for most other destinations.

“The Gold Coast continues to offer a real alternative to Australia’s capital cities, remaining a more cost-effective conference and incentive option and providing an exciting diversity of venues and experiences plus accessibility through the servicing by two international airports,” says Winter.

“In 2012 focus will continue to be on marketing and bidding for global and domestic association business by showcasing the many major attributes which the Gold Coast can offer.

“Overall 9 per cent growth experienced across all business events sectors sets a solid platform from which to execute even more promotional activity across Australia and the rest of the world.”

Corporate tourism spending on the Gold Coast is increasing, topping the $350 million mark last year. Read the complete Conference Venue and Events Guide 2012 by getting your copy of the February issue of Gold Coast Business News - out now at a newsagent near you.