Ally

Business tourism is on the rise with the number of business tourists to Australia increasing by 14% in 2005, a recent analysis of the latest ABS figures released today by the federal government reveals.

In 2005, 735,400 business tourists arrived in Australia, an increase of 89,900 or 14% on 2004. Key results include:

* Canada (13,100), up 17%
* China (66,100), up 20%
* Germany (15,500),up 13%
* India (17,300), up 40%
* United States (93,500) up 11%



"Business tourism gives Australia maximum bang for the buck. Thousands of business tourists descend on Australia each year, spend up big attending conferences then visiting regional Australia for a few days rest," Fran Bailey, Minister for Small Business and Tourism, says.

Business tourism is worth $17 billion to the Australian economy.

"A major part of the success of the sector is the hard work and entrepreneurial flair of individual tourism operators, especially those operators specialising in business events. But as good as the results are for 2005, we think we can do even better," Bailey adds.

The Australian Government has established Tourism Events Australia to tactically market Australia overseas as a business tourism destination.