The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) will join the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb AO in Shanghai from 9 to11 April to take part in Australia Week in China (AWIC) activities, which will continue to develop relationships in market, resulting in Asian business for Australia.
Lyn Lewis-Smith, President of AACB says, “Australia Week in China and the trade mission are initiatives designed to enhance bilateral relationships through high-level political and commercial exchanges, and to grow investment, trade and education opportunities for both parties. The focus on long-term collaboration is key to a strong Australia-China relationship.”
“Australia’s convention bureaux know the potential of this market and we need to ensure that we are in the best place to capitalise on these opportunities. Our focus is collaborative, aligning ourselves with industry and government to target business opportunities in China in a strategic and coordinated way.”
“According to the latest Tourism 2020 progress report for the business events sector, Australia welcomed 893,000 international business event delegates for the year ending September 2013, with a total expenditure of $13 billion. Of these figures, Chinese delegates represented 9% of visitation and 11% of expenditure. These are big numbers with big impact.”
The April trade mission program includes a gala lunch hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, which will be attended by Australian industry leaders.
Alongside these activities, nine of Australia’s convention bureaux along with Australian business events industry will participate in Tourism Australia’s North Asia Showcase which begins in Seoul (Monday, April 7) and then continues to Shanghai as part of the Australian Government’s inaugural Australia Week in China program. The showcase is designed to deliver access to business event buyers and corporate decision makers through face-to-face meetings and networking opportunities.
“Participating in the Australian Government’s China trade mission, the launch of Australia Week in China, and Tourism Australia’s North Asia Showcase will further strengthen ties between Australia and China – and promote Australia as a leading business events destination.”
Convention bureaux support of Tourism Australia’s international trade program will also see strong participation at the South East Asia Showcase in May, with a focus on Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Through these opportunities, Australian partners will gain insights into market trends as well as vital intelligence from targeted Asian markets.
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