Victoria’s tourism industry will gather today to discuss issues facing the industry in the lead up to November’s State Election.
With Victoria Tourism Week beginning on Monday, VTIC CEO Todd Blake says today’s free forum, to be held at Victoria University, is a great opportunity for the industry to come together and talk about issues such as the emerging markets of China and India and workplace relations.
“The forum will focus on tips and tricks for tourism operators to help them capitalise on the growth in visitor numbers from the Asian region,” says Mr Blake.
“The forum will also foreshadow issues that the tourism industry sees as important in the lead up to Victoria’s State Election in November.
“Victoria’s tourism industry is strong and contributes $15.8 billion to the state’s economy but in order to maintain this momentum and improve on it, tourism operators must stay ‘ahead of the game’.
“Today’s forum will help to do this by bringing together a group of experts to discuss how best to capitalise on the increase in visitor numbers from the Asian region.
“International visitors’ expenditure increased by 4.3 per cent in the year to March, higher than the national average and Melbourne Airport’s total passenger visitors were up by 13.4 per cent since last July, mostly due to more visitors from Asia and the potential for more growth is huge.
“Tourism and major events have helped attract more international direct flights to Victoria and these increased numbers of international and interstate visitors, together with our world class events program, have helped cushion the effect of the global financial crisis on Victoria’s economy.
“It’s important the industry continues to receive support from government and the discussions we have today will also help frame VTIC’s advocacy work in the lead up to the State Election,” says Mr Blake.
Chaired by Prof Brian King the guest speakers at the forum will be:
- Geeta Heffernan, International Business Development Manager, VECCI Global
- Phil Webley, Managing Director, Sino Access
- John Dalton, Director, Strategy and Policy, Tourism Victoria and
- Alexandra Marriott, Manager – Workplace Relations Policy, VECCI
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak policy council for the Victorian tourism industry, which represents key industry associations, operators and government agencies, providing one united industry voice.
