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The Victorian Government has announced support packages of up to $25,000 for business events incentives in Melbourne, providing a desperately needed bookings boost for struggling CBD hotels and accommodation providers.With the corporate travel market still crippled by COVID, peak industry body, the Accommodation Association says the incentives will ignite business traveller confidence in choosing Melbourne for accommodation and events.

Supporting business events will kick start the tourism industry in Victoria, as events drive overnight visitation and are critical to rebuilding the domestic corporate travel market which the state’s hotels and motels rely on.

Applications are open until 30 June 2021 for new event bookings held in Melbourne through to December 2022.

Key stats:

  • Nearly 40% of all visitors to Melbourne are corporate travellers and providing reason to travel beyond reconnecting is critical for the accommodation sector.
  • The Accommodation Association represents close to 3,500 hotels, over 150,000 rooms and employed nearly 100,000 people across Australia (this is unfortunately now down to 58,000).


Quotes from Accommodation Association CEO Dean Long (available for interview)

“Forward bookings for Victorian accommodation in the second half of the year are still at 2020 levels and event investment is currently extremely prudent, so we welcome this much needed support from the state government.”

“With consumer confidence at critically low levels due to ongoing border shutdowns, more business events in Melbourne will have a positive impact on hotel and motel occupancy in the CBD through kickstarting corporate travel spending which means more overnight stays with Victorian accommodation providers.”

“As the Melbourne corporate travel market begins to recover, the wider Victorian market will also enjoy flow on benefits from heightened travel and hospitality spending which will support the state’s economic recovery.”

“Our Melbourne hotels and motels have endured an incredibly tough time and are looking forward to increased interest from corporate travellers and business events clients as they take advantage of this program.”