ASIA’S largest publicly listed insurance company has sent around 2,400 incentive qualifiers to Melbourne – boosting the economies of the city and regional Victoria to the tune of US$8.5 million.
The group from AIA Hong Kong landed in Melbourne to take part in a touring programme across the state of Victoria from April 10-13.
In Melbourne the group visited Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market, the Tramcar Restaurant, Brighton Beach and Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. On the regional leg of their experience they had the option to visit the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Ballarat or Phillip Island.
Minster for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren says the event and tour provides a welcome boost to local and regional economies across the state.
“The AIA Hong Kong group is a great opportunity to showcase the best of Melbourne and regional Victoria, generating A$11 million to our state’s economy.”
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“Securing this event and taking thousands of delegates to our regions will create more business for local businesses and tourist attractions – and that’s good news for local jobs,” Eren says.
AIA Hong Kong is the largest publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. Incentive travel programs are designed to motivate and recognise employees for outstanding business performance, and Melbourne Convention Bureau is tasked with securing these lucrative business events for Victoria.
In 2016/17 financial year, the bureau – with the support of the Victoria state government – secured 158 incentive events that delivered $95.5 million in economic contribution for Victoria.
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Karen Bolinger, Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO, says Melbourne is among the top three cities for incentive groups visiting Australia.
“Incentive groups choosing Victoria are savvy travellers who are moving away from iconic attractions and seeking more immersive and culturally enriching experiences, which our state offers in spades.
“We are fortunate that Melbourne and Victoria have a depth of character that cannot be replicated elsewhere, which is helping us to attract these lucrative incentive groups,” Bolinger says.
