Events are returning but the landscape has changed tremendously with increased competition for the same pie. But while the domestic market has become more crowded as larger destinations shift their focus, competition could be at an all-time high once international borders re-open in more locations.
Damien Kitto is the Adelaide Convention Bureau's CEO, leading the charge for the recovery of business events tourism for South Australia. He is cautiously optimistic about the industry's future but believes Adelaide's size will help it secure more business events ahead of its bigger competitors.
Quotes From Episode
"Being a small city that's open, clean, green and free to move around is going to be really important... we'll see that the rise of global boutique cities like Adelaide are really going to progress and grow and secure a lot more business events in the future."
"Without a doubt (competition) will be harder. Destinations were already cashed-up, there's incredible infrastructure across Asia and the Middle East in particular, winning a lot of international business. With international events now not existing for the best part of two years that competition is just going to absolutely go through the roof."
-Damien Kitto
Don't miss:
-How one successful event led to forming Australia's national space agency
-Can 30 clients bring in A$40 million from Destination South Australia?
-Restoring public faith in the safety of a destination
-How Adelaide's international strategy has changed
-Why competition will go through the roof international borders re-open but it's critical that it does so
Connect with Damien Kitto:
Email: damien@adelaideconvention.com.au
Adelaide Convention Bureau:
www.adelaideconvention.com.au
Connect with Upon Arrival:
Email: uponarrivalpodcast@gmail.com