Last year, the ACT Government launched the T2030: ACT Tourism Strategy 2023-2030 to grow Canberra’s visitor economy to $4 billion by 2030. In tomorrow’s Budget, the ACT Government will invest around $5.1 million in the events and tourism industry.

“A thriving and expanding visitor economy is important to Canberra’s overall economic growth,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

• ACT will grow tourism economy to $4 billion by 2030 (4 December 2022)

The Government will invest a further $3 million in the Major Event Fund, administered by VisitCanberra.  

Since the Major Event Fund opened in 2011, Mr Barr said, it has provided almost $12 million in funding for major events and exhibitions in Canberra.  More than 5.2 million attendees attended these events, which raised around $1 billion in economic return to the ACT.

Next year, Canberra will host the UniSport Nationals in 2024 – the first time the event has been held in Canberra in nearly 30 years. More than 8,000 athletes from around Australia will compete in the multi-sport event, held annually between 43 Australian universities and tertiary institutions.

“UniSport Australia is delighted to partner with the ACT Government to bring the UniSport Nationals back to Canberra for the first time since 1996,” Mark Sinderberry, CEO of UniSport Australia, said.

“We look forward to working with the ACT sporting community to deliver a hugely popular and successful event in the ACT.”

The Government will also invest in initiatives that attract visitors and make Canberra a more appealing destination, Mr Barr said.  

This includes the Aviation Stimulus Fund, which supports the recovery and re-establishment of existing routes, and develops new domestic and international routes into Canberra, to attract more direct domestic and international flights to and from Canberra; the Brand Canberra program, which promotes Canberra as a great place to live, work and study; extending the Tourism Product Development Fund for another year; and supporting destination marketing activities all year round.

 “Through the Budget we will continue to invest in initiatives that have measurable impact and demonstrated success,” Mr Barr said.

“These initiatives will support the growth of the visitor economy and deliver a calendar of events that will attract domestic and international visitors to the ACT.

“They will also generate positive economic activity and a net benefit to the ACT through attracting more tourists, sector wide job creation, and new investment in tourism products and events.”