Investments in tourism made as part of yesterday’s ACT Budget will help underpin future economic
growth, according to Canberra Business Council.
“Tourism is a vital sector for the ACT,” Canberra Business Council Chief Executive Officer, Chris
Faulks said. “As the nation’s capital it is important we are positioned as such and become a
priority destination for international and domestic visitors alike.
“The initiatives funded in the budget include cooperative marketing and promotion of the ACT
and its many attractions. This aligns with the Brand Canberra strategy which received
$800,000.
“Further support to bring international flights to Canberra is welcome. Canberra Business Council
strongly supports the introduction of direct international flights to the ACT because of its
potential to significantly increase visitor numbers and help generate local jobs. It will help secure
the ACT’s future as a business and tourism hub.
“However, we need to do more to attract business and events visitors to Canberra.
“Continuing to progress the Australia Forum will help with this goal. Investing in the National
Arboretum to transform it into a premier events venue will also give the ACT another venue
able to attract and support this sector of the tourism market.
“One of the key aspects of tourism funding in this budget is recognition of the importance of
major events in bringing visitors to Canberra.
“Major events can attract large crowds to Canberra and give visitors an introduction to our
wonderful city and make them want to return.
“We have seen the impact major events can have on visitor numbers and spending during
successive blockbuster exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia and the Centenary events.
More recently, Enlighten brought 5,412 interstate and international visitors to Canberra – a
146.5 per cent increase on numbers from 2013. Just this relatively small number of visitors
contributed $2.3 million to our economy.
“The budget includes funding to host three Cricket World Cup matches to Canberra in 2015.
This will not only bring visitors to our city, but be accompanied by television coverage which
will help promote the ACT to the world.
“Each of these initiatives strategically interlink making the whole greater than the sum of its
parts. While each project is individually commendable, they are more effective as a group
because they will provide a means to promote Canberra, bring people to the ACT, and give them
a memorable experience when they are here.
“Increased tourism will help the hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors and local
businesses. It will bring money into our economy and drive demand for investment in
infrastructure.
(CBC Media Release)
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