Gold Coast wins bid to host major sport and business summit

The CoalitionGovernment's Boosting Business Events Bid Fund Program has helped Australiasecure another major international event with the Gold Coast winning the rightsto host the SportAccord World Sport and Business Summit.

Minister forTrade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said the Summit would bring morethan 1,500 international travellers from up to 100 countries to the Gold Coastnext year.

"Congratulationsto the Gold Coast for securing the rights to host one of the world's largestsport and business summits," Minister Birmingham said.

"Whilst theGold Coast is well known as a holiday destination, its world-class facilitiesalso make it an attractive destination for major business events.

"These types ofevents inject millions into the local economy and also support localbusinesses, create local jobs and will ultimately help enhance the Gold Coast'sreputation internationally as a must-visit destination."

Gold Coast MPSteven Ciobo welcomed the announcement of another major event for the city.

"It's great tosee the Gold Coast continue to attract sports business events like theSportAccord Summit after garnering international attention as host of the 2018 CommonwealthGames."

"The Coalitionis growing the Gold Coast economy and helping to create local jobs byattracting more events like the Summit."

The GoldCoast's bid received funding assistance through the Coalition Government'sBoosting Business Events Bid Fund Program.

Managed byTourism Australia, this program provides industry organisations with supportduring the bidding process to give them a competitive edge against otherinternational destinations.

The averagebusiness events visitor spends on average at least twice as much as a leisurevisitor. In 2017, business events visitors spent $4.75 billion in Australia.

The Summit willbe held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in May 2019.