The Morrison Government will invest $50 million into a Business Events Grants program across the country, that will be critical in getting Tasmania’s business events industry back on its feet.
Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonno Duniam said Tasmania’s business events industry has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s estimated 95 per cent of business events for this year have either been cancelled or postponed,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“Business Events Tasmania has successfully rescheduled 64 per cent of those events, and the $50 million Business Events Grants program is critical to helping the industry get back to business.
“The program will generate tourism and support venues, caterers and accommodation providers.
“Businesses can apply for grants to help cover the costs of attendance at events, trade shows and conferences within Australia. It gives organisers the confidence to lock-in and plan events, knowing businesses will show up.
“Australia is a world-leader in hosting major international events, and while our international borders remain closed, we need to support our domestic events sector as best we can.”
Australia’s business events sector is estimated to be worth around $36 billion and employs around 240, 000 Australians.
Under the Business Events Exhibitor Grants program, Australian businesses exhibiting at an approved business meeting, convention, conference and incentives event in 2021 will be able to apply for upfront grants to cover up to 50 per cent of their costs ($10,000 – $250,000).
This initiative is part of the Morrison Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.