Melbourne’s reign continues at World Travel Awards
Melbourne’s standing as a global powerhouse for business events has once again been solidified as the city secured the esteemed title of “Oceania’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination 2023″ for an impressive ninth time. The announcement was made last night at the World Travel Awards Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony 2023, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The honour underscores Melbourne’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in hosting world-class business events. The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has played a pivotal role in driving the city’s international recognition, consistently showcasing Melbourne’s capacity to cater to world leading conferences and incentive groups.
MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson, expressed her pride in Melbourne’s consistent triumphs on the global stage.
“This award demonstrates our city’s ongoing commitment and excellence in the business events sector. The appeal of Melbourne as a top-tier business events hub is a direct result of our city’s exceptional fusion of world-class infrastructure, vibrant cultural scene, accessibility, and robust industry expertise.
“Our city’s distinctive offerings not only captivate attendees, but also provide organisers with an unmatched platform to curate impactful and unforgettable events. This dynamic environment empowers conference organisers to craft engaging content and attract speakers from our pool of local researchers and academics, thereby driving delegate attendance,” Swanson said.
Earlier in the year, Melbourne hosted the Rotary International Convention, welcoming 14,000 Rotary members and participants from across 120 countries and regions worldwide.
With 172 international and national business events worth more than $762 million confirmed from now until 2028, including the likes of Lions Club International Convention, projected to attract 13,000 delegates from across the globe; the International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (UBMB2024) and 19th World Congress on Menopause also in 2024; these conventions stand as prime opportunities for Melbourne to showcase its strengths as a global convention and knowledge hub.
“As the torchbearer of innovation and excellence, Melbourne continues to raise the bar for business event experiences. The accolade of being named Oceania’s top Meetings and Conference Destination for the ninth time serves as a reminder of the city’s enduring dedication to delivering exceptional conferences that leave a lasting imprint on participants,” Swanson added.
The World Travel Awards have been acknowledging and celebrating excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry for 30 years. The awards are selected via votes cast by travel professionals and high-end tourism consumers.
Latest News
Paw-Patrol returns to Reflections Bermagui as groups boasts $3.5m economic boost
Be careful where you leave your lunch around this holiday park, there will be plenty of noses paying attention.
IAAPA Expo Asia 2025 opens exhibitor registration
With over 10,000 attendees, we sure hope they got enough coffee...
Gina Shaw joins Kaigi Conferencing and Events
Been to a good conference recently? You'll have to go to one of Gina's to see how it stacks up!
Australia bags $1 billion from international business events following post-Covid push
Move over London, New York. The future of business is looking decidedly Aussie.
New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]
CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025
CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]
NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events
NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]
Destination Vancouver brings World Chef Exchange event to Sydney
We are sure that with Mark Best in the kitchen, there was more on offer than poutine and fries.
Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]
Airports Council International labels Newcastle Airport most sustainable in Australia
Newcastle says it will be the green gateway into Australia, maybe the football team needs some new colours to match.
Countdown underway for 2025 Visit USA Expo in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
The two-week countdown is on, but we've been counting down for nearly 50 weeks since the last one!
Maximum Occupancy New Zealand conference to return to Auckland in March
If we were to take a stab in the dark we'd say this one's all about getting those rooms full... Just a guess!
Aboard the Palau Paradise Express, Qantas’ new direct route to remote Pacific island
There are plenty of 'hooks' for this story and our roving correspondent will soon tell us all about it.
Moreton Bay region presents exciting events for 2025
There's more than just the bugs to look forward to if you're in Moreton Bay in 2025.
First look at the new Crowne Plaza Sydney Macquarie Park
If you've ever been to Macquarie Park you will know that this will be an oasis in a busy business precinct.
CTM welcomes Colombia’s Trafalgar Tours to it global network
Looking for a conferencing location that offers something a bit different, then look no further.
New round of funding to help get events to regional Victoria
With a maximum of $40k up for grabs to support an event, best get your application in quick.
ONYX Hospitality Group gears up for sales blitz at AIME 2025
Last night not only did we get the scoop on the hotels, but also the scoop on a cracking inner-city Thai restaurant.
Elements of Byron makes luxury inclusive with accessibility initiatives
In case you needed another reason to visit Elements, this is it.
Lonely Planet launches new LGBTQ+ Travel Guide
Not so niche any more, cashing in on the pink dollar is proving to be a nice little earner.
MCEC opens new accessible facilities
Great to see that accessibility continues to be a focus for the conference industry.
Flight Centre launches new tag line
Their first choice was 'Finger-lickin' Good' but apparently Colonel Sanders' lawyers weren't having it.
AIME reveals AIMalfi FESTA theme at il Mercato Centrale welcome party
There will be plenty of cold meats and cheeses served here. Send a home care package to the following address...
Corporate travel agency TravelPerk raises $325m as PE interest in travel tech booms
Apparently investors are falling over themselves to invest in travel tech.Time to get on the old Chat GPT.
Virgin suspends Adelaide-Darwin direct flights as part of flight schedule shake-up
Qantas and Jetstar will continue to service the route, but if that's not your cup of tea, there is always The Ghan!
Blockbuster films star in VisitBritain’s new global tourism campaign
We are presuming less savoury films showing the UK underbelly are not represented here.
Successful Sydney Swans cruise on Crown Princess tipped to appear in second round
We may be biased, but this cruise kicked goals, and we even got to take a dip in the Huon on our Tahune walk.
Booking.com Traveller Review Awards reveal Australia’s top 10 most welcoming cities for 2025
If like us, you love a true crime podcast, you may be surprised to see which Aussie city topped the list.
Cathay Pacific partners with Michelin-starred Yat Tung Heen
Food in the air is only getting better and we're looking forward to the first Michelin-starred Airbus or Boeing.
IMM North America sets attendance record with 9,000+ travel meetings in NYC
Next time someone in the office tells you they have a lot of meetings, show them this article.
Agents rave about Lindblad Expeditions journey to Antarctica
Raves are all the buzz with the Gen Z'ers at the moment, we're sure they'd enjoy a trip like this too.
White Cliffs Underground Motel reopens in March
Coober Pedy eat your heart out.
Rydges Australia Square opens after reimagined refurb of hotel
Staycation or Sydney visitation, this is walking distance to pretty much all you need to see in a quick stop.
Australian Government takes over $50m REX debt
There are a lot of zeroes to keep REX in the air. Regional Australia will thank you. The balance sheet? Not so much.
ICC Sydney 2024 event case study wrap up
Want to hear about the ICC's biggest events of 2024? You came to the right place.
Thailand to debut health/wellness offering at Expo 2025 Japan
One thing is for sure - health tourism shows no sign of slowing down.