Visit Victoria’s largest tourism exhibition, the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is underway in Melbourne.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula opened the event which provides a platform for future trade and investment for Victoria and other destinations.
“Conferences are a vital part of Victoria’s visitor economy, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars each year and helping to build our global profile,” Mr Pakula said.
“AIME provides a double benefit, serving up an immediate boost to the economy while providing a platform to showcase our undeniable claim as a top-tier event destination,” he said.
“AIME brings together buyers and exhibitors to connect, create and do business.”
Mr Pakula said about 3,000 suppliers and events planners had gathered for three days of business, networking and education.
He said AIME was the leading trade event for the business events industry in the Asia Pacific region.
“Melbourne has hosted AIME for close to three decades and the benefits for the State are clear to see,” he said.
Mr Pakula said that in addition to driving trade and investment opportunities, business events were a significant contributor to the Victorian tourism industry, generating direct expenditure of $11.2 billion and supporting more than 71,000 jobs.