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Million Dollar business secured for Gold Coast
| 1 May 2009
MEDIA RELEASE
MILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS SECURED FOR THE GOLD COAST
Gold Coast Tourism and Griffith University have teamed up to win more than $1.5 million dollars worth of vital business for the City.
Confirmation that almost 700 delegates, representing 55 countries will be on the Gold Coast from April 14 to 16 next year is music to the ears of GCT CEO Martin Winter.
The Asia Pacific Association for International Education 2010 Conference and Exhibition (APAIE 2010) brings together representatives from major universities in the Asia Pacific region.
“Make no mistake, this is an example of the Gold Coast showcasing its capability to win market share from Australian and international destinations,” Mr Winter said.
“It shows how serious we are about taking on Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to claim our place among the elite of conference and exhibition hosts in Australia.
“APAIE 2010 marks just the start of future successes of the reinvigorated Gold Coast Convention Bureau.
“We will maintain this aggressive sales approach to ensure we continue to steal market share and attract genuine interest from major national and international associations.
“The reputation and international standing of Griffith University will also be enhanced through the hosting of APAIE 2010, as we showcase to the many movers and shakers of international education what the Gold Coast has to offer within the industry.”
The four day APAIE 2010 Conference and Exhibition will see delegates directly contribute to the local economy through the purchase of conference and meeting venues, accommodation, meals, activities and entertainment.
There is also the strong likelihood of extended stays by most delegates before and after the four-day conference and exhibition that will provide major financial spin offs.
The theme of APAIE 2010 is ‘Educating for Extremes: Educating for global challenges in a rapidly changing world’, which will provide a platform for Griffith University to highlight the activities that have marked it as a world leader.
Griffith University Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor said the university was honoured to be chosen as the host of the APAIE 2010 conference.
“Griffith is committed to developing global citizens who can play their part in the world and who are equipped to manage tomorrow’s global issues,” Professor O’Connor said.
“A working party of Griffith University staff and others has been working closely with the Executive Director of APAIE to ensure the success of next year’s conference.”
Professor O’Connor said Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor (International) Chris Madden was a founding and continuing member of the APAIE Board of Directors and led the university’s bid for the conference.
The ongoing success of the Gold Coast Convention Bureau is testament to the undertaking by Gold Coast Tourism to expand staffing and intensify the bidding process for major association business to ultimately steal market share.
Showing how important this industry will be to the local economy, the Gold Coast now boasts the capabilities to host delegations of up to 3500 people and can also service other major meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentive packages concurrently.
ENDS.
For comment please contact:
Gold Coast Tourism Manager Media Development, John Kaarsberg
0411 511 029 or john.kaarsberg@gctourism.com