Joint announcement with the Federal Member for Leichardt, The Hon. Warren Entsch MP

The Liberal-National Government has today announced that Cairns will play host to one of the world’s largest science conferences, in what is a major win for the region.

Minster for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said Cairns had won the rights to host the 13th Congress of International Society for Plant Molecular Biology in 2021.

“This will be a huge economic and tourism boost for the Tropical North Queensland region,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Cairns will have the chance to show-off its unique ecosystems, experiences and attractions whilst at the same time see millions injected into local businesses and the economy.

“Business events such as this one, are extremely valuable to our economy, with the average business events visitor spending at least twice as much as a leisure visitor.

“The Bid Fund Program established by our Liberal-National Government has now helped Australia win the rights to nine business events in just six months, which will add an estimated $90 million to the Australian economy.”

Federal Member for Leichardt Warren Entsch said the week-long event would see more than 1,200 of the world’s leading plant molecular biologists flock to Cairns.

“This is a great opportunity for delegates to get a taste for all that Tropical North Queensland has to offer, and I this will encourage them to book a return trip down the track,” Mr Entsch said.

“I’d like to acknowledge the work by the Cairns Convention Centre, Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef and Tourism and Events Queensland in helping secure this important event.”

The $12 million Business Events Bid Fund Program, managed by Tourism Australia is designed to ensure Australia maintains a competitive edge against other international destinations by offering financial support to new international business event bids.

Last year business events and incentive travel injected around $4.75 billion into the Australian economy and brought an extra one million people to our shores.”

For more information on business events in Australia go to www.businessevents.australia.com

 

Media Contacts

Benn Ayre: +61 428 342 325

 

Authorised by Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, South Australia.