United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Business tourists on the rise
An AAP report says that business conferences continue to pump money into the Australian economy with the number of delegates attracted to the country skyrocketing over the past few years.
Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said 166,400 business people had come to Australia during 2006-07 – an increase of 61 per cent in the past six years.
“Business, convention and conference travel is big business and the Australia sector is making the most of this lucrative market segment,” Ms Bailey said.
She said the numbers were very promising, considering they did not take in the boom markets of China and India which were now being aggressively targeted by the government.
“Australia offers business travellers exactly what they are looking for from a conference destination – world-class service and facilities coupled with a travel experience that lives with them long after they’ve taken care of business,” she said.
An Australian Tourism Export Council spokesman said the business market was crucial for several reasons.
“They have a high spend (rate) so they are very important for the economy but secondly, business visitors, if they have a good time, they become ambassadors for our country in business and to foreign governments,” he said.
“They promote goodwill about Australia around the world.”
He said some also sent their children to study here after visiting on business, or returned to holiday with their family.
He said visitors were from a cross-section of countries but Asia was an important region.
However, Australia could not now rest on its laurels with several Asian countries investing heavily in infrastructure emerging as threats to the market share.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
Icelandair launches inaugural flight to Nashville