United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Melbourne rides the recovery in Asia
MELBOURNE – The recovery in Asian economies is good news for Melbourne, says Sandra Chipchase, CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB).
“Melbourne went through a pretty rough trot with the global financial crisis but what I’m hearing now from people who cancelled meetings and events is that they’re ready to do business again.â€
The MCVB will lead incentive roadshows to Indonesia and Korea this year to take advantage of strengthening economies in those countries.
“Asia Pacific is a very different beast to the US and Europe,†Chipchase said.
“Thailand was dead for a while but is now showing strong corporate growth,†she said.
The MCVB has released a Made in Melbourne e-brochure for the incentive market.
It lists activities unique to Melbourne, such as indigenous painting workshops, designing and making hats and headpieces, and surfboard and cricket bat making.
“Melbourne is a participation city, it’s not for spectators,†Chipchase said.
Melbourne secured major international conventions worth more than $100 million in the 2009/10 financial year to date, expected to attract more than 20,000 delegates.
Wins secured over the last eight months follow a record performance in the 2008/09 financial year, during which the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau won the most business in its history, achieving a fourth year of record results.
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), Chipchase, said a series of strategies to extend Melbourne’s international reach, and a commitment to increase government and member partnerships, are key driving forces behind the Bureau’s success.
Ian Jarrett
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
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations