NSW is set to become the regional conference capital of Australia following today’s announcement the NSW Government has launched a $6 million strategy to vastly increase the number of conventions and business events in regional NSW, the Tourism & Transport Forum said today.

TTF Chief Executive, Margy Osmond, said the dedicated NSW Regional Conferencing Strategy & Action Plan will pave the way for regional communities to take full advantage of Australia’s lucrative business event market.

“Business events are an incredibly sound investment. They support jobs, encourage visitation and contribute significantly to local economies, with business events visitors often spending up to four times more than regular tourists on accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, shopping and transport,” Ms Osmond said.

“The conferencing and business events industry plays a vital role in boosting regional economies, with the market contributing $145 million to regional NSW each year.

“However, the net worth of business events far exceeds their hard dollar value – they promote and showcase Australian innovation to the world, attract investment and bring national and international leaders into communities they would otherwise not have visited, and that is why we should be doing everything we can to grow this important sector.

“TTF called on the NSW Government prior to their June State Budget to consider opportunities to leverage business event opportunities in regional NSW, and it is very pleasing they have realised the enormous benefits that will flow to communities in every corner of the State as a result of this commitment.”