Victoria Tourism Week 2014 has begun with many popular and successful events featuring guests from across the tourism industry.
At the Leadership Dinner at the State Library of Victoria on Monday night, the Right Honourable Lord Mayor Robert Doyle launched the week and spoke of the importance of industry partnerships, business events, such as the International AIDS Conference 2014, and the need for governments of all levels to engage and invest in tourism.
Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Chief Executive Dianne Smith said she was delighted with the attendance and the Lord Mayor’s support.
“The Lord Mayor is a passionate supporter of tourism in Melbourne and keen for all visitors to have exceptional and memorable experiences,” said Ms Smith.
“It was great to hear his support for a balanced approach to sustaining our unique industry, which will improve the visitability of Melbourne and the visitor experience.”
Victoria Tourism Week is especially significant this year in the lead up to the November state election. VTIC’s calls on the State Government and Opposition to commit to recommendations that support the tourism and events industry to realise its potential and create nearly 9,000 additional jobs for Victoria over the next two years.
“Our message to all sides of politics is simple: tourism equals jobs. An investment in the tourism and events sector is an investment in employment across the state,” said Ms Smith.
This morning’s Local Council Tourism Breakfast was also a great success and featured former Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Bob Parker, addressing guests on leadership in crisis recovery regarding his experiences in response to the Christchurch earthquake.
VTIC presented Destination Gippsland’s Phoebe Honey with the Local Government and Tourism Organisation Development Award and Eureka Skydeck’s Emma Cullen with the Lynette Bergin Fellowship for 2014.
