Published on : Monday, May 5, 2014
This week’s state budget must make tourism a priority for Victoria, especially with the imminent end to car manufacturing in the state, according to peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
TTF Chief Executive Ken Morrison said the Victorian budget, due to be handed down next Tuesday, is an opportunity for the Napthine government to demonstrate its commitment to the tourism industry.
“We are calling on the Victorian government to recognise the role tourism plays in the state economy and commit to funding the expansion of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre to help the state attract bigger conventions and exhibitions,” said Mr Morrison.
“Business events attract high-yield visitors who stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, go shopping, visit attractions and spend money on transport services like taxis.
“Business events visitors spend 20 per cent more than the average tourist, while many bring family members with them and extend their trip for a holiday.
“Funding must also be maintained for the Melbourne Convention Bureau to allow it to continue to attract large-scale national and international business events that bring high-spending delegates to Victoria.
“Investment in demand-driving infrastructure like an expanded Melbourne Exhibition Centre will help to grow the visitor economy, creating additional employment opportunities to replace those that will be lost in the coming years as car manufacturing winds down.
“Tourism has been identified as one of Australia’s five super-growth sectors with the potential to drive sustainable economic development and collectively add $250 billion to the economy over the next 20 years.
“Supporting the industry with investment in infrastructure and marketing will help maintain the momentum that has delivered growth in both domestic and international tourism.
“Tourism creates jobs and economic activity across Victoria, delivering $19.6 billion in Gross State Product in 2012-13 and supporting 203,000 jobs and more than 73,000 businesses statewide.
“Victoria has led the nation in international tourism over recent years, including seeing growth of 10 per cent in overseas visitors and spending in 2013.
“We are also calling on the Napthine government to renew and increase funding for Tourism Victoria, to allow it to continue marketing the state’s iconic destinations to domestic and international visitors.
“In addition, support must at least be maintained for the Victorian Major Events Company to allow it to continue to develop its outstanding events calendar.”
Source:- TTF
Tags: Tourism News, TTF News
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