Page 1379 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 28 March 2012
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offers a glimpse of the full program, was launched to create public awareness about the centenary of Canberra. It also provides Canberra and the broader community with a preview of the scheduled calendar of events that will unfold in 2013.
The brochure was distributed through the Canberra Times as an insert on 14 March and continues to be distributed via the Canberra and region visitors centre, ACT libraries, Canberra Connect shopfronts, ACT hotels, national institutions and other key tourism venues. The brochure has also been distributed via Canberra centenary sponsors’ shopfronts and is also available for download on www.canberra100.com.au. I am sure you will all have a copy and have enjoyed reading it and are looking forward to seeing more about what is on offer later in the year. However, I encourage you to make sure that your family and friends also have a copy.
A number of announcements will be made in the coming months, with the full program of activity revealed in September this year. I am sure all of you are looking forward to that. I know I am. By working collaboratively with ACT government, business and the tourism industry, Australian Capital Tourism is able to develop and promote recreational, leisure and cultural tourism assets with greater effectiveness by obtaining access to new markets and broadening the reach in existing markets. These assets, if promoted as part of a comprehensive and integrated program, have the potential to attract significant numbers of interstate and international visitors.
A cooperative approach to marketing Canberra as a destination will ensure industry stakeholders have an understanding of the centenary program and are able to maximise opportunities associated with the centenary by promotion through their own distribution channels. The 2012 Canberra Festival, including Enlighten, is an excellent example where a collaborative approach to realising an opportunity has been successful. As an evolving festival, I am sure we will see an even bigger and better Enlighten in 2013.
Earlier this week Minister Barr announced the establishment of a task force to coordinate Canberra’s efforts to secure international flights to Canberra Airport in 2013—a very good move indeed. There is a very real opportunity for our city to have regular flights from New Zealand flying into the Canberra Airport. The long-term plan is also to seek flights into South-East Asian airports, possibly Singapore, which will link Canberra into Asia and Europe. The upgrade of the airport terminal is designed to incorporate all facilities needed for overseas travel. I am sure we have all been watching the developments in this precinct with great anticipation.
The task force announced by Minister Barr will bring together Canberra Airport, our local business and tourism industries and government to put forward a united front in working with airlines to deliver the direct flights that I mentioned. The formation of this group has already received broad support from the local business community.
The ACT government is working smarter and delivering more to ensure a strong and prosperous tourism industry and create opportunities for all Canberrans to come together for recreation, entertainment and cultural experiences. The centenary year provides multiple reasons for Australians across the country to visit their capital and learn about its culture and history and to enjoy everything it has to offer. This is a
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