Monday 9 January 2017

Melbourne continues reign at World Travel Awards

Melbourne has scooped up two titles at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2016, cementing its credentials as Australasia's leader in the business events sector. 

Melbourne was voted Australasia's Leading Meetings and Conference Destination for the fourth year running, with Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) named Australasia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre for the fifth consecutive year. Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger, said it’s an exciting time for business events in Melbourne. 

“Melbourne is always high on the list of locations for the big conferences worldwide, because we do them so well. Business events are the highest yielding sector of the visitor economy, generating $9.8 billion in economic contribution and 65,000 jobs annually,” Ms Bolinger said. “This award demonstrates our states excellence in this sector, acknowledging our superior infrastructure, intellectual capital, professional services and appeal as number one in the region.” “It is an honour for our city to continually be recognised as the leading destination in the sector. Melbourne’s history of innovation and collaboration is one of the many reasons we are able to secure high profile conferences and meetings for the state, which showcase Melbourne on the world stage.” “In 2015/16 financial year Melbourne Convention Bureau secured business events worth $310 million to the state, representing 140,000 room nights which is enough to completely fill the cities hotels 13 times.” “These results and the World Travel Award accolade validate Melbourne’s authority in business events,” Ms Bolinger said. 

MCEC’s Chief Executive, Peter King said it was a terrific outcome for the venue to once again be recognised as Australasia's leading venue. “MCEC is much more than simply a venue for hosting events. Our venue is a key hub within this great city, responsible for attracting over two million people annually from all over the globe, who eat, drink, shop and explore the city in addition to attending events.” “With our outstanding event capabilities and the world’s most liveable city on our doorstep, there’s certainly no better place for people and businesses to network, connect and exchange information.” “We are constantly evolving, determined to innovate, adapt and create incredible event opportunities for our customers. Receiving this award for the fifth consecutive year proves we’re continuing down the right path,” Mr King added. 

Melbourne and MCEC will compete against global regions in the final stage of the World Travel Awards on 2 December 2016 in the Maldives. The World Travel Awards have been acknowledging and celebrating excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry for 23 years. The awards are selected via votes cast by travel professionals and high-end tourism consumers. 

No comments:

Post a Comment