THE Canberra Convention Bureau’s 2015-16 annual results show that business events in the ACT contribute to state tourism. 

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr says: “Having grown by 18 per cent in the past year, our local tourism industry now employs almost 16,400 people and contributes $2 billion to the Territory economy – the highest growth rate of any state or territory in the country. Business tourism plays an important role in the success of our tourism sector.”

The Canberra Convention Bureau annual results are up 10.1% on last year, with business worth more than $46 million in the ACT economy. This equates to a 46 to 1 return on government investment.

A total of 22,249 people attended events organised by the Bureau in the last two years, including 1855 international professionals. This has filled 65,520 rooms in Canberra hotels with each person spending an average of $537 per day during their stay.

Barr says: “There are so many ways we can grow our business tourism, and direct international flights have opened up new markets for our city when it comes to attracting business events.

“The ACT Government will continue to support the Bureau, particularly to attract more conventions to the National Convention Centre, which received a $5.3 million upgrade in the 2015-16 ACT Budget, as well as other hotels and events spaces in the National Capital.”