TravTalk India Online Magazine
Business Events Sydney has launched a new fund for travel agents in India, owing to cost pressures on event planners across the region. Corporate and incentive events with 100-250 persons can apply for the new fund, which is available for a limited time and can be used to cover/ offset an event’s on-the-ground expenses in Sydney.
Nisha Verma
Talking about Sydney Meetings Fund (SMF) Joo-Rei Mathieson, Associate Director, Global Corporate & Incentives, said that the applications for the new fund are open for a limited time and can be used to cover/ offset an event’s on-the-ground expenses in Sydney.
Specific for small groups
She revealed that the SMF is meant only for smaller (100-250 persons) corporate and incentive events and can be easily accessed through the official website of BESydney. Planners with events larger than 250 delegates can also contact BESydney via this site. Kristian Nicholls, Executive General Manager – Client Engagement, BESydney, said, “Since the BESydney SMF opened, we have seen a number of event owners and organisers register and qualify for financial support for events in 2024. Sydney is the top market in Australia for India, and we look forward to welcoming corporate meetings and incentives from India. From the feedback received following our 2023 India famil to Sydney we know delegates love the natural beauty and wildlife in Sydney, as well as the adventure, sporting experiences and culinary offerings.”
India market
Mathieson informed that according to the latest Australian Tourism Research data, NSW has become Australia’s top destination for visitors from India. “As of September 2023, 31 per cent of Indian travellers choose NSW for their Australia travel. In addition, Sydney has increased in direct flight capacity by four times since 2019 with a total of 12 flights weekly. The number of business events delegates travelling to Sydney from India grew more than 20 per cent from 2019 to 2023.” She added, “India was the largest inbound business events market in 2023 for Sydney, surpassing China for the first time.”
Easy visa
Highlighting the various new and already popular destinations in Sydney, Mathieson said that the ease in business visa has boosted Sydney’s chances of being a preferred M!CE destination. “Tourism Australia offers the best possible assistance to facilitate the visa process for your group. With no biometrics, no personal interviews, up to 5-year visa validity for business travellers, and 100 per cent online lodgement, the Australian visa application process is truly best in class and offers a massive advantage over other long-haul destinations.”
To be eligible for the Sydney Meetings Fund
- Event size is between 100-250 delegates (for event sizes over 250 delegates, please email jmathieson@besydney.com.au directly)
- The event is not yet confirmed to be held in Sydney
- Event duration is at least 3N/ 4D
- Event will take place by 31 December 2024
- Applications must be submitted by 31 May 2024
- Applications must be submitted minimum 8 weeks prior to the first travel date
- Fund will be paid to Australia-based suppliers
