The government of Western Australia has handed down its 2022-23 State Budget, announcing an increase of A$31 million (US$21.8 million) in funding for tourism events.
This includes A$20 million for a new Major Events Fund, of which A$5 million has been allocated for hosting business events.
The latest financial injection comes in addition to the A$15 million Reconnect WA package announced in December 2021.
The boost in funding comes at a pivotal time for Western Australia’s business events industry, which is poised to experience a significant period of growth and recovery following the reopening of state borders and renewed appetite for travel from business event delegates.
Business Events Perth chair Bradley Woods said the additional funding recognised the important role that business events played in strengthening and diversifying the state’s economy, and the support that was needed to revive the sector after a significant disruption.
“The impact of Covid-19 on the business events industry has resulted in a massive hit, in terms of real losses and future business confidence, so this funding boost is well timed as we continue our efforts to secure lucrative business events to re-energise and rebuild the many venues and small businesses that are still struggling two years into this pandemic,” Woods said.
Tourism minister Roger Cook said the increased funding would maximise opportunities for the state, securing lucrative business events not just for their tourism impact, but also as a platform for economic diversification, presenting an opportunity to promote Western Australian expertise to the world.
“This is the next stage in turbo-charging Western Australia’s economic transition after the successful management of Covid-19 for more than two years,” Cook remarked.
“A revived programme of business events will help to create an economic legacy beyond the value of initial tourism expenditure – helping us build towards a bigger, better Western Australia.”
Ha is excited to join the IHG team at such an opportune time as travel and hospitality rallies with the reopening of borders and looks forward to developing win-win strategic partnerships with owners, as well as unlocking the potential of IHG’s brands in Korea.
Paul Er is the vice president, sales, Asia at Millennium Hotels and Resorts. He is armed with 34 years of sales and marketing experience, and cut his teeth at some of the most reputable organisations such as American Express and Hilton Hotels. He was previously regional director at Marriott International where he handled global sales and oversaw South-east Asia’s US$400 million enterprise business.
Transport ministers from seven South-east Asian countries have pledged to rebuild and restore air travel through various measures including mutual recognition of Covid-19 health certificates and the development of a single ASEAN aviation market.
The commitment is shared by the ministers of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Brunei.
According to Singapore broadsheet The Straits Times, a joint statement by the ministers also pointed to efforts such as harmonised aviation-related public health and safety measures, aligned sustainable practices, and improved air connectivity between South-east Asia and other regions.
Training and capacity building will also be promoted to support recovery and growth of the civil aviation sector and the well-being of its workers.