The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has announced Tourism Australia will undertake a major national audit of the business events sector as part of its commitment to promoting Australia as a sustainable business events destination.
Minister Ferguson said that with the opening of the first 6-Star Green Star environmental rated Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2009, there was a tremendous opportunity to market Australia's strength in this area.
"The corporate social responsibility (CSR) audit will demonstrate Australia takes the issue of sustainable tourism seriously and provide proof of the milestones being reached across the sector." Minister Ferguson said.
The audit will assess the sustainable credentials of tourism operators in the business events industry and give hotels, venues, attractions, special event companies, and other operators an opportunity to showcase their green initiatives in Tourism Australia's global marketing.
Minister Ferguson said: "In order to recognise the sector's significant and growing contribution to the Australian tourism industry, Tourism Australia launched its Business Events Australia brand earlier this year, with a commitment to sustainability being a core tenet of this brand.
"The audit will play an important role in strengthening Australia's global reputation in delivering world-class, sustainable business events.
"Sustainability is known to be a critical drawcard for visitors from Australia's emerging markets of China and South Korea.
"This is a terrific opportunity for the Australian business events industry to highlight their expertise, products, and commitment to sustainability and I encourage all operators in the business events industry to take part".
The audit, comprised of an on-line questionnaire, will be distributed to registered industry participants today. A full report is expected to be completed in coming months and results will be used to bolster Tourism Australia's future business events trade marketing programs.
Organisations which have assisted in developing the audit include Qantas, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, BridgeClimb, Hayman Island, Great Southern E-vents and Encore BT. For more information or to register to participate in the CSR audit, email Business Events Australia at bea@tourism.australia.com or visit www.tourism.australia.com.