Friends of Tourism Breakfast goes from strength to strength

Victoria’s tourism industry and State Government politicians today joined forces in a show of support for Victoria’s tourism industry at the Park Hyatt, Melbourne.

At Tourism Alliance Victoria’s Pre State Election Friends of Tourism Breakfast this morning, 17 Government Friends of Tourism group members including the Minister for Tourism and Major Events the Hon. Tim Holding joined over 130 representatives from Victoria’s tourism industry to discuss the future of the sector.

In his address Minister Holding highlighted some of Victoria’s key achievements including an integrated events strategy for both major and business events, increase in air services in and out of Melbourne Airport, increased investment in hotels in Melbourne and regional Victoria and Victoria’s brand campaigns. The forum also provided an opportunity for members to network and meet their local Members of Parliament prior to the state election this November.

Other Members of Parliament in attendance was Ben Hardman MP Member for Seymour and Hong Lim MP JP Member for Clayton both Co-Chairs of the Government Friends of Tourism Group, Jaala Pulford MLC Member for Western Victoria, Hon. Robert Smith President of the Legislative Council and Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region, Jenny Mikakos MLC member for Northern Metropolitan and Shaun Leane MLC Member for Eastern Metropolitan.

Tourism Alliance Victoria would like to thank our Corporate Sponsor Prime Television and our Partner Sponsors Destination Melbourne Ltd and Business Events Victoria for their support of the breakfast.

MEDIA RELEASE - Friends of Tourism Breakfast goes from strength to strength

Victoria’s tourism industry and State Government politicians will today join forces in a show of support for Victoria’s tourism industry.

At Tourism Alliance Victoria’s (TAV) annual Friends of Tourism Breakfast this morning, the Government Friends of Tourism group will join 130 representatives from Victoria’s tourism industry to discuss the future of the sector.

TAV CEO Todd Blake said the continued success of the annual event was proof the State Government realised the importance of Victoria’s tourism industry.

“In the lead-up to November’s State Election, this morning’s event is a great chance for a broad range of tourism operators, whether they are from hotels, tourist attractions, or tour companies, to discuss the issues affecting them with Victoria’s decision makers,” Mr Blake said.

“It is a unique opportunity to share views and network with other tourism industry representatives.

“The great support shown by the state’s politicians to TAV’s Friends of Tourism Breakfast illustrates the importance of Victoria’s tourism industry.

“The issues discussed at today’s event will help shape the tourism policies of all parties in the lead-up to November’s State Election,” said Mr Blake.

TAV Chairperson Matt Noble said this morning’s breakfast was also a great opportunity for the tourism sector to hear from the Tourism Minister, Hon. Tim Holding MP.

“It’s a credit to the tourism industry and Government Friends of Tourism group that the Friends of Tourism of Breakfast continues to be a success year after year.

“It’s incredibly important for government and the tourism industry to work together and events such as today’s are a big part of this,” said Mr Noble.