28 May 2008

ASIAN CORPORATES SAMPLE SYDNEY AND THE RED CENTRE

AS UNIQUE BUSINESS EVENT DESTINATIONS

Business Events Australia's targeting of new business from Asia was the focus of a high level corporate incentive familiarisation which kicked off in Sydney this week.

Business Events Australia was delighted to welcome delegates from seven Asian countries to participate in its 2008 Asia Corporate Familiarisation to Sydney and the Northern Territory. Business Events Australia, in partnership with Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Northern Territory Convention Bureau are hosting delegates from 19 Asian companies and three influential Asian media outlets.

The group includes qualified international corporate buyers and incentive agents from companies such as HSBC India, Vodafone India, Korea Life Insurance, China’s Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co. and Great Eastern Malaysia.

Joyce DiMascio, Head of Business Events Australia, said the organisations in-region team undertook a rigorous process to qualify and recruit quality Asian buyers with the potential to deliver real business.

‘Our role is to create an environment conducive to generating real business by connecting qualified buyers with the sellers of Australian product who are brought to the table by our partner Convention Bureaux.

‘The 2008 Asia Corporate Familiarisation is an example of our co-operative trade marketing and I pay tribute to our partners in this endeavour’ she said.

The seven day program began in Sydney on Monday with a tour of the Sydney Opera House, continuing with a BridgeClimb adventure followed by lunch at Bondi Beach and a Harley Davidson tour of the city. The group then moves to Uluru for dot painting workshops, a sunrise tour of the Olgas and dinner under the stars. The final days will be spent on the NSW Central Coast at Glenworth Valley for horse riding and a visit to the Australian Reptile Park.

Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau Managing Director, Jon Hutchison, said that SCVB was working hand-in-hand with Business Events Australia to reach out to Asian decision-makers and buyers who may not know Australia well.

‘It’s about working collaboratively with industry and government to profile Australia in the most effective way’ Jon Hutchison said.

Northern Territory Convention Bureau Manager, Lynn Fairbrass, commented ‘The Northern Territory Convention Bureau and Voyages welcome the opportunity to showcase Central Australia to the Asian corporate market and with flights from all major capital cities, Uluru (Ayers Rock) offers an accessible taste of the real Australia.  Darwin’s proximity to Asia also means that the multiple destinations of the Northern Territory are a favorable choice’.

Ends

For further information contact:

Pippa McCreery, Business Events Manager, Business Events Australia

Phone: +61 2 9361 1322   Email: pmccreery@tourism.australia.com