The Government will grow Canberra’s visitor economy by up to $1 billion by 2030 through a number of new investments in this year’s Budget.
The investments will:
- Attract more major events to increase visitation, fill hotels, and boost hospitality and retail.
- Expand the Major Event Fund to build a stronger year‑round events pipeline.
- Launch a new destination marketing campaign targeting key domestic and international markets, including India and the US.
- Expand Floriade for its 40th anniversary in 2027, extending opening hours and encouraging longer stays.
- Upgrade key venues including GIO Stadium, EPIC, and the Canberra Theatre Centre to support better events.
- Progress city‑shaping projects, including the new National Convention and Entertainment Centre and the 2,000-seat Lyric Theatre opening in 2028.
- Secure international cricket fixtures for both men’s and women’s competitions.
Together, the four year, $72 million investment in these initiatives will grow the visitor economy, strengthen Canberra’s national and international profile, and support jobs across tourism, hospitality, and events. It also delivers on our election commitment supporting better local events and attracting new events to the city.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Trade and Economic Development, Andrew Barr:
“We’re growing Canberra’s reputation as a leading events and sporting destination by investing in events that bring visitors, fill hotels, and support local jobs and businesses.
“Major events backed through our Major Event Fund deliver real results, driving visitation, boosting hospitality and showcasing Canberra to national and global audiences.
“This investment reflects the strong return events deliver to our economy, tourism industry and community.
“Progressing the new Lyric Theatre and National Convention and Entertainment Centre is critical, these city‑shaping investments will attract more major events, conferences and touring productions, supporting jobs and business growth.
“We’re backing Canberra’s future as a national capital that hosts more major events, more international conferences and more world-class productions.”
Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Chris Steel:
“This funding will have a direct positive impact on the ACT economy through initiatives designed to drive tourism, grow major events and support local industry development.
“We know major events deliver real benefits for Canberra by bringing visitors, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs. This new funding gives us the opportunity to attract and secure high-quality events, and to keep building a strong pipeline that supports our visitor economy year-round.”
