- Published:
- Monday 21 September 2015
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren has visited Singapore to grow Victoria’s appeal as a tourist destination, keep our visitor economy strong and show our key Asian markets we have the best of everything.
Singapore has become a world-leading international tourist destination, and is a key market for Victoria too. In the year ending June 2015, some 98,000 Singapore travellers visited Victoria – a two per cent increase on the year prior – and spent $258 million in our state.
Victoria is the envy of the nation when it comes to our visitor economy and list of events, but we’ll never be complacent. It’s our global reach and strong ties with key destinations like Singapore that ensure we stay that way, and stave off competitors like New South Wales and Queensland.
Mr Eren met with officials from Singapore Airlines, which operates 28 weekly services to and from Melbourne. Already this year, Etihad Airways has increased its Victorian presence and China Airlines has begun a tri-weekly service, boosting tourism and trade opportunities. Mr Eren also met with Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry, S. Iswaran, to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss tourism opportunities.
Like Victoria, Singapore is a world leader when it comes to major business events and conferences. We do it well in Victoria, but we have to work hard to remain number one.
The Andrews Labor Government has already committed between $190 million and $210 million for a major upgrade of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – Mr Eren’s visit to the Suntec Singapore Convention Centre will help ensure we get it right.
Through Visit Victoria, our state is on the cusp of an exciting new era for tourism and major events that will ensure we remain one of the world’s best locations for investors, businesses and holidaymakers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“We’re getting on with growing our visitor economy like never before, and that means increasing our global reach to sell Victoria’s great strengths.”
“Singapore has worked hard to become one of the world’s best tourist destinations. We’re here to learn about the ideas and projects that have allowed them to do so well.”
“The state-of-the-art Singapore Sports Hub, Suntec Singapore Convention Centre and night Grand Prix are good examples we can look to in making our visitor economy even stronger.”