NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant has pledged an additional $6 million in funding to assist Business Events Sydney secure more business events for the harbour city and the new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).
The announcement comes off the back of last month’s NSW Government commitment to provide an additional $123.35 million, a 25 per cent boost, to the sector.
Mr Grant said the boost was part of the NSW Government’s election commitment to secure the state’s reputation as the home of Australia’s major events.
“BESydney has been working hard to secure 21 events for ICC Sydney after it opens its doors in December 2016.
“These 21 events will have an estimated economic benefit of over $155 million, and that means more jobs… A boost of $6 million over four years will help BESydney competitively bid on and attract even more business conventions and events for the state.”
Another 103 business events have been secured between 2015 and 2022, worth around $335 million to the NSW economy.
BESydney welcomed the announcement and CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith commended the government’s commitment to the sector.
“We’re proud to contribute to NSW and will definitely play our part in realising the government’s vision of making Sydney the number one destination for major events in the country,” BESydney CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith, said.
“This commitment demonstrates that NSW understands how economies and communities can benefit from the high-yield business and tourism opportunities from hosting meetings and conferences.”