Heavyweights of Australian tourism assembled for the 2022 Destination Victoria Conference this week, bringing together Victoria’s tourism, events, and hospitality industries at CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park.
Presented by Visit Victoria in partnership with the Victoria Tourism and Industry Council (VTIC) and taking place over two days, the event’s almost 700 delegates were armed with insightful information and practical tools from industry leaders with the aim to ensure strong, sustainable growth for the Victorian visitor economy.
Hosted by Australian journalist and media personality Jamila Rizvi, the conference consisted of 33 presentations over 48 hours, activating three different spaces at CENTREPIECE, including its interchangeable Grand Hall and 250-seat state-of-the-art auditorium, in addition to Tennis HQ.
The conference opened with an inspiring presentation from keynote speaker, Dr. Richard Harris SC OAM, Anaesthetist and Thai cave rescue diver, imploring delegates to focus on the goals in sight no matter the odds.
Other program highlights included a plenary on aviation updates featuring Lori Argus, incoming Chief of Aviation at Melbourne Airport, presentations from Tourism Australia, and CEO of Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Andrew Westacott, as well as panel discussions on the future of Victorian events featuring CEO of Visit Victoria, Brendan McClements.
The 2022 conference examined a variety of thought-leadership topics shaping the state’s tourism landscape, from data-led Global Consumer trends, to the economic impact on local and national tourism, leveraging Victoria’s world-class events calendar, the influence of social and tech in the industry, and the ever-growing importance of sustainability.
Guests were provided opportune networking breaks between sessions to connect and deliberate on the industry’s greatest challenges and anticipations, while indulging in CENTREPIECE’S exclusive blend of espresso coffee from renowned Melbourne coffee roaster Industry Beans, as well as house-baked pies and assorted pastries, the Chefs selection of sandwiches, and harvest boards featuring fresh Victorian produce which nourished delegates from start to finish.
Melbourne and Olympic Parks Director of Commercial, Sam Eustice said, “It’s been such a wonderful experience lifting Victorian Tourism into the spotlight this week at CENTREPIECE and hosting the people that shape and influence our visitor economy. We’re proud to have showcased our world-class precinct to Visit Victoria, VTIC and their guests. As the tourism industry looks to revive itself, we’re keen to do our part in supporting and we’ll be eagerly watching what the state’s peak bodies have in store moving forward.”
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