Melbourne has been named the host city for the 2023 Rotary International Convention, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors.
The convention is the most valuable conference ever won for the state, and is expected to attract 20,000 Rotary members from over 200 countries worldwide. Convention events will be hosted across two venues – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne & Olympic Parks.
Aside from injecting A$88 million (US$62 million) into the Victoria state economy, the convention is expected to create millions of dollars in economic spinoffs, including the most significant room block in Melbourne’s history to guarantee high occupancy levels for up to 50 properties in the city during the off-peak winter season.
Australian minister for trade, tourism and investment Simon Birmingham said: “Over the course of the four-day event, an extra 20,000 visitors will be filling up Melbourne’s hotel rooms, local restaurants and also driving visitation to the city’s key venues and attractions.
“Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund is helping to bring significant international events like this one to Australia. Importantly, these events often attract the type of visitors that extend their stay to regional parts of Australia and are also more likely to return for a holiday in the future.”
The bid was led by Melbourne Convention Bureau, and is supported by the Victorian and Australian Governments.
