Canberra by Comparison the Capital’S Ability to Host the G20 and Other Major International Events
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Canberra by Comparison The capital’s ability to host the G20 and other major international events Canberra Convention Bureau REPORTNovember 2011 Canberra Convention Bureau CANBERRA BY COMPARISON, NOVEMBER 2011 Comparing Canberra Reaching Canberra’s full potential In preparation for this report, the Canberra Convention Bureau has investigated Canberra is a unique city in Australia and the world. It is a planned capital, the capabilities necessary for cities to host major international events such as the surrounded by nature, and built for the purpose of housing federal parliament, G20. In doing so, much information has been collated and included at the end of national institutions, and government departments. It offers world-class this report in appendices. entertainment, accommodation, restaurants and architecture and can boast all the The following table compares Canberra’s core logistical capabilities with those of features and attributes of the great capital cities of the world. Cannes (G20 2011) and Los Cabos (G20 2012): As such, Canberra must not be overlooked as a potential host of high-level business events, international summits and their associated ‘build-up and side Cannes (G20 Los Cabos (G20 Canberra (G20 events’. 2011) 2012) 2014) Population 73,000 238,000 360,000 Canberra is a rapidly growing city – a mature city – which is on the cusp of having the logistical capabilities to host major international summits and conferences. As Airport International International International the nation’s capital, Canberra must be able to respond to large-scale national and Summit venue Palais des Festivals Purpose National international opportunities as they arise. et des Congrès: built venue: Convention accommodating accommodating Centre: Canberra is a small city when compared to some of the major capital cities that up to 20,000 6,000 delegates, accommodating have hosted large-scale summits, but is larger than both Cannes (73,000 people, delegates, 80,000 60,700 m² 2,000 delegates, G20 2011) and Los Cabos (238,000 people, G20 2012). Its relatively small size and m² 8,600 m² landlocked location are advantageous when considering issues of security and Hotel rooms 8,000 13,000 5,250 (4,800 disruption to normal city operations. reported by ABS) By hosting the G20, or being involved in its build-up and side events, Canberra Geography Coastal Peninsula Landlocked would reap the short and long term advantages including economic, cultural, City access Air, car, bus, boat Air, rail, car, bus, Air, rail, car, bus tourism and city esteem that are derived from hosting such major events. boat These benefits are critical to the city’s reputation as a world city, and to Australians’ G20 total 8,500 7,000 plus 7,000-10,000 admiration for their capital. attendees (estimate) (estimate) PAGE 2 Canberra Convention Bureau CANBERRA BY COMPARISON, NOVEMBER 2011 Capabilities of Canberra Canberra statistics As the capital city of Australia, Canberra has the personnel, expertise and Population: 360,000 infrastructure to host international events, to the elevated standard that is expected. Visitation Canberra is a regular host to heads of state. The city has recently hosted visits Domestic from Queen Elizabeth II and US President Barack Obama which have required » 1.49 million domestic daytrip visitors heightened security, lockdowns and strategic collegiality between multiple daytrip visitor expenditure $231m agencies and governments to ensure a smooth visit with minimal disruption. » » 1.72 million domestic overnight visitors However, to be considered as a host for major summits, such as the G20, » 4.62 million visitor nights investment in infrastructure would be required to enlarge the city’s capacity. » overnight visitor expenditure $875m Until that is achieved, Canberra should look to host summit build-up and side events by way of increasing the city’s profile and working towards a full event International hosting role. » 161,359 international visitors By choosing build-up and side events that suit the city’s strengths, for example » 3.64 million visitor nights in the areas of government, research and learning, culture, leadership and » expenditure $ 351 million (2% of Australian total) (year ending June 2011) environmental sustainability, Canberra can gain significant exposure and leverage Business many of the legacy benefits that come from hosting the main event itself. Also, » 522,000 visitors (staying 1.5 million visitor nights) Prime Minister Gillard’s stated theme for the 2014 G20 being ‘health of the global » Visitor expenditure: $266 million (year ending June 2011) economy, financial regulation, trade, jobs and clean energy’ provides further (Source: Tourism Research Australia National and International Visitor Survey assistance in identifying linkages in Canberra regarding these subject areas. Reports, July 2011) The psychology of Canberra is right for these events. The city has a desire to live up to its ceremonial role as the capital of Australia. Canberrans are engaged with their city and have the will to make the necessary adjustments to achieve the high level of delivery. Hosting important events plays to Canberra’s strengths as a meeting place and residents see it as a natural fit. PAGE 3 Canberra Convention Bureau CANBERRA BY COMPARISON, NOVEMBER 2011 Transport Hotel capacity Air transport Total room capacity: 5,250 » By 2014 Canberra will have 3.5million domestic travellers Of these, 31 are meeting venues with accommodation (mostly hotels) with 4,180 » 60 flights a day to Australia’s capital cities rooms and between 1 and 16 meeting rooms with between 40 and 1,500 seats. A breakdown of hotel types and room components as at November 2011 is detailed » By March 2013, Canberra airport will offer daily services to New Zealand (alternating between Auckland and Wellington) in Appendix 2. » By June 2013, Canberra will connect 4 days/week to Singapore (or possibly daily) Venue capacity » Canberra airport is capable of landing 747/A380 aircraft and storing the National Convention Centre private aircraft of heads of state The National Convention Centre Canberra is a purpose-built conference and Ground transport event venue adjoining Crowne Plaza Canberra Hotel and a range of hotels and » Taxi services are currently growing from 347 to 380 with further fleet serviced apartments in close proximity. expansion in 2012 » Total capacity: 8,600 m2, 9,779 seats » Bus and coach services include 428 public buses (ACTION), 119 local private » Exhibition hall: 2,000 m2, 2,000 seats buses, up to 270 private buses available from nearby interstate operators » Ballroom: 658 m2, 500 seats » National and interstate bus services operated privately (Greyhound, Murrays) » Royal Theatre: dividable auditorium from 750 to 2,460 seats » Hire car facilities include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty, along with » Other meeting rooms: 4 theatrettes, 5 meeting rooms, 8 other rooms, from a number of smaller operators 20 to 368 seats » Chauffeur driven hire cars include 25 to 30 vehicles » The maximum capacity for hosting a single conference type of event (multi- » COMCAR fleet offers approximately 150 vehicles to provide transportation faceted) is around 2,000 support for important international visits, meetings and events Australia-wide Additional Canberra venues (recently for CHOGM 2011) » Train services run to Canberra from Sydney and the surrounding region 31 venues with between 1 and 37 meeting rooms and between 60 and 5,200 seats. PAGE 4 Canberra Convention Bureau CANBERRA BY COMPARISON, NOVEMBER 2011 Security and public safety Attractions ACT Policing: Staff (2010-2011): 635 male, 311 female (total 946). 21 major attractions, of which 16 are ‘National’ underlining Canberra’s status as the national capital and sharing the essence of Australia’s culture, democracy, Special security measures history and way of life. During major events (e.g. US President’s visit) ACT Government made a A full list of both national and other attractions can be found in Appendix 3. declaration under the Major Event Security Act 2000 to give ACT Policing additional powers for the duration of these events. Events Other government agencies (eg defence) have also supported international events A busy events calendar with internationally renowned festivals and celebrations hosted in Canberra. including Floriade, Multicultural Festival, National Folk Festival, International Music Public safety Festival, International Film Festival, Enlighten, Skyfire, Wine Festival, Australia Day Canberra is considered a safe destination by business event organisers. and Canberra Day. Most criminal offences have diminished in 2010-2011 from 2009-2010: between The city also plays host to a constant stream of business and sporting events with -4% and as much as -42%. national and international standing. Road toll for year to date is just 33.3% of last year’s toll, the lowest since 2000. Wineries Canberra’s appeal The Canberra region is home to more than 30 boutique cellar doors and 140 vineyards, offering cool-climate wines with diversity in variety and style. Canberra is a cosmopolitan, international city that is attractive, safe and popular with visitors. The city offers visitors a variety of world-class attractions and events Entertainment throughout the year. A casino, a major cinema theatre, a performing arts theatre, traditional pubs, nightclubs, stylish cocktail lounges, clubs and bars in the CBD. Other cinemas, theatres, bars, etc. are located in the suburbs. PAGE 5 Canberra Convention