Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has welcomed the launch of
New South Wales (NSW) government’s new visitor economy strategy, which aims to generate AUD$91 billion in annual visitor expenditure and create an extra 150,000 jobs in
the region by 2035.
The not-for-profit which bids and secures hosting rights for
global conferences in NSW and was one of 500 stakeholders consulted in the creation
of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, said it welcomed the commitment to drive
growth through events.
BESydney chair, Professor Mary O’Kane, said: "Business
events are a multi-billion-dollar global industry and a powerful catalyst for
innovation. This strategy will help BESydney to unlock new potential across the
city, particularly with the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport
next year.”
So far this year, BESydney has secured 66 events in Sydney,
hosting 46,000 delegates and contributing an estimated AUD$213 million to the NSW
economy.
BESydney CEO Amanda Lampe, said her organisation was looking
forward to working closely with the government, Destination NSW and the local
business events ecosystem to help the region reach its goal.
She said: “The large majority of the delegates attending the
events we attract are from overseas and visiting Sydney for the first time
because of that conference. Beyond their tourism dollars, they contribute to
our knowledge economy – sharing their expertise and learning from our local
experts. They enter collaborations, they sign business deals, and they invest
here. Many also return later for further business, to study, or with their
friends and family on holidays.”
The strategy, officially released by NSW Premier
Chris Minns and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper on 27 August, outlines
three focus areas to deliver business events: Reinforce partnerships with
Business Events Sydney; to promote a focus on Western Sydney and regional NSW,
and prioritise opportunities for existing and new infrastructure across the
region.
