New program targets national conferences for Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government has launched a new national program to recruit Australian corporates to hold business events, conferences and conventions in Queensland.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new National Business Events Program would help Queensland’s tourism industry to rebuild better after COVID-19.

“Business events and conferences are an important contributor to the economy of many Queensland tourist destinations,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We also know business travel for conferences, conventions and corporate events has dropped significantly because of the pandemic.

“Our new National Business Events Program is designed to inspire Australian business organisations to switch off video conferencing and re-start face-to-face corporate and convention events in Queensland.

“Queensland is the place to be to build new business connections with a COVID-safe conference or convention.”

The Business Events Council of Australia estimates up to $35.7 billion to be lost to the Australian economy from dwindling corporate events.

The Palaszczuk Government's National Business Events Program fund will focus on national associations or corporate events with more than 350 delegates.

Half of all delegates must live outside of the Local Government Area where the event is being held and stay for at least two days.

Funding is to be spent in Queensland to cover costs associated with the event venue, delegate accommodation and/or ground transfers.

Mr Hinchliffe said in 2018/19 Tourism and Events Queensland supported 18 international business events held around the state worth than $81.5 million to the state’s economy and 158,000 delegate days.

“Not only do corporate travellers generally spend more on business trips, they often bring the family back for a Queensland holiday experience,” Mr Hinchliffe said.        

“The Palaszczuk Government continues to back Queensland tourism to rebuild better.

“Kick-starting national corporate events in Queensland supports local tourism jobs and the state’s economic recovery.”

Tourism and Events Queensland is coordinating the program with application and eligibility details at: www.teq.queensland.com

Media: 0427 475 089