Tourism

Australian Tourist Commission

A message from the Hon. Joe Hockey MP, Minister for Small Business and Tourism

Australia – the perfect place to kick business and travel goals... With matches in 10 cities around Australia, from Perth in the west, to Townsville in the north and Launceston in the south, Rugby World Cup 2003 is far more than a sporting event. Attracting government leaders, business executives, corporations and investors, the event offers countless opportunities to forge new business partnerships. Thousands of international business people are expected to attend the six-week sporting event to explore opportunities with Australian companies that have common interests in both Rugby and business. The tournament also provides the opportunity to travel beyond the Rugby pitch and corporate box, to stay a little longer and experience Australia. Australia ranks in the top 10 not just for Rugby, but also as a business tourism destination. It is the perfect place to mix business and sport with pleasure. Our conference facilities, friendly people and range of natural attractions position us as a world leader in business tourism. In fact, many of the world’s top companies are discovering how rewarding it is to deliver a uniquely Australian experience for their business event. Rugby World Cup 2003 provides the opportunity to go beyond the rucks and the goals, to experience Australia’s beaches and the Outback, the food and the wine, the shops and the natural wonders. Whether you are a Rugby fan or not, Rugby World Cup 2003 will enable you to join thousands of Australian and international business people, to explore business opportunities and experience Australia. I look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event and hope you enjoy the opportunity to experience Australia’s business, sporting and travel best.

There’s never been a better time to come and enjoy the real Australia than from 10 October to 22 November – when Australia welcomes the world for Rugby World Cup 2003.

Australia has proved on numerous occasions it has the venues, services and infrastructure to hold prominent international events. Rugby World Cup 2003, which promises to be the most exciting and closely fought in the event’s five-year history, will continue that Australian tradition.

But it’s not all rucks and Rugby... aside from displaying first-class sporting prowess, the event will showcase Australia’s business and travel best.

Business, Rugby and relaxation
Australia is not only serious about sport, but is also serious about hosting business events. In fact, Australia has one of the world’s most professional Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions industries.
Many of the world’s top companies are discovering how easy it is to deliver a unique Australian experience for their business event. From the city to the Outback, quiet rolling vineyards to mighty cliffs, Australia offers world-class corporate hospitality, in unique environments, with service and style. Companies can confidently choose Australia as a business events destination to impress staff or clients, and conduct business.

Enjoy the facilities
Australia’s purpose-built convention centres, fine hotels and specialty restaurants host groups in style. From executive retreats for 10 to company-sponsored extravaganzas, Australia continues to impress international business visitors.

Accommodation options range from ‘big city’ hotel options, to deluxe country guesthouses for executive retreats or rejuvenating spa treatments. Hotels are world-class, yet distinctly Australian. Four and five-star hotels cater to all the requirements of the international business traveller.

Business facilities
All state and territory capital cities offer five-star international hotels, with well-equipped and staffed business centres, while many hotels provide in-room internet connections, data ports and a wide range of secretarial support services.

A diversity of venue cities
Australia’s state and territory capitals provide a myriad Australian experiences. Whatever you choose, you’ll discover it in Australia, from the magic of the Outback to the beautiful landscape of the Australian bush, the spectacular endless beaches, the sophisticated and dynamic cities, and the warm Australian hospitality.
Here’s a snapshot of how you can enjoy the real Australia while you’re here for the Rugby, in our unique cities where the games are taking place.

Townsville, Queensland
Vibrant Townsville in North Queens-land offers an eclectic mix of style and natural treasures that enhance any business tourism event, from a conference to a rewarding incentive program. Townsville packs many experiences into one buzzing, sun-bathed city. Part of the ‘dry tropics’, the city offers a lively nightlife and restaurant scene, as well as the quieter pleasures of beaches, access to the Great Barrier Reef, islands and national parks.

Sydney, New South Wales
Bold, brassy and breathtaking, Sydney basks in its worldwide recognition as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. With the Harbour Bridge, and white-sailed Sydney Opera House, Sydney offers visitors a variety of Australia’s best historical and cultural experiences. The surrounding areas offer unique opportunities to discover subtropical rainforests, vineyards, golden beaches and red desert Outback.

Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane – the hub for the country’s most popular and diverse holiday regions – is the perfect place to mix business with pleasure. As one of the Pacific Rim’s emerging, dynamic cities, Brisbane offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, a diverse range of accommodation, a vibrant dining and café society, and an outstanding range of entertainment and shopping. Stunning beaches and theme parks are just a short ride away.

Wollongong, NSW
Eighty kilometres south of Sydney, Wollongong is an attractive city with a fine natural harbour. Its warm climate and spectacular coastline make it an ideal location for some of life’s more relaxing pursuits such as swimming and surfing.

Gosford, New South Wales
Located on the scenic New South Wales Coast, Gosford is renowned for its natural beauty, tourist attractions and thriving business industries. With its close proximity to Sydney and Newcastle, it’s no wonder Gosford has become one of the most successful business districts in the Central Coast region of New South Wales.

Canberra, ACT
As the nation’s capital, Canberra is an important meeting place for government, associations and corporations. It provides a range of national attractions available for conference and gala dinners, including Federal Parliament House and the National Gallery of Australia. Canberra offers visitors the opportunity to explore a selection of national monuments, museums and art galleries and parklands.

Adelaide, South Australia
Surrounded by luscious parkland, this spacious and elegant city boasts a pleasant climate, fine food and wines, numerous festivals and events, and miles of clean, sandy beaches. Adelaide and its surrounds are a wonderful destination for a relaxing break, while the surrounding regions of the Barossa and Eden Valley, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale are inter-nationally renowned for their prize-winning vineyards and wines.

Launceston, Tasmania
South of mainland Australia is one of the world’s most picturesque islands, Tasmania. Rugged mountains, dense ancient forests and pristine white beaches provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday. More than a third of Tasmania is protected

Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne has declared itself the ‘events capital of the world’. The city has a reputation for fine wine and dining, fashion, shopping, arts and culture. Its multicultural heritage, ethnic villages, café society and eclectic mix of architecture make it one of the world’s most stylish and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Close by are spectacular coastlines, rainforests, beaches, wineries and historic towns. World Heritage Area, National Park or Reserve. Launceston provides a relaxed, friendly lifestyle and fantastic seafood, with local produce and wines.

Perth, Western Australia
The rich and diverse tapestry of Perth makes it an ideal destination for business travel. Its safe, clean and unpolluted environment and equable climate, make it the perfect year-round destination. The surrounding areas provide varied sightseeing options for Aboriginal culture, wine regions, pristine beaches and wilderness tours through the vast outback lands of Australia’s largest state.

For more information on Australia’s exciting business tourism experiences, visit www.meetings.australia.com
For more information on how you can enjoy the real Australia, visit www.australia.com