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)

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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.

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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, 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.

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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.

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Shopping Towards increasing capacity A variety of shopping options, ranging from luxury boutiques, shopping centres In order to fulfil its role as the national capital, Canberra must host major and department stores to bargain homewares, street markets and local designers. meetings of national and international importance. Large modern indoor shopping mall ‘Canberra Centre’ as well as outdoor retail Canberra currently has the will and expertise to host the G20 summit; however, precinct in the CBD. based on past G20 summits it would appear Canberra currently does not have the capacity. Dining To host an event on the scale of the G20, Canberra must build the necessary More than 300 restaurants (13 award winning in 2011), cafes and pubs reflecting functionality into the city in a strategic way so as to complement the existing the national capital’s cultural diversity and superb local produce. investment in our asset base and leverage parliament and the cultural and research institutes. Research and Learning Institutes Group (RALIG) and THINK To achieve the necessary capacity the suggested priorities for the city are: CANBERRA »» The development of a world-class meeting and conference centre that A collection of 14 world-renowned research and learning institutes, grouped as can host high quality meetings in the round to complement the facilities at RALIG, operates under the Canberra Convention Bureau ‘THINK CANBERRA’ Parliament House – such as the proposed Australia Forum concept and includes The Australian National University, Australian Academy of »» An increase in high volume internationally branded (upscale) hotels with a Science, National Library of Australia and more. higher than normal ratio of suites for high level visits RALIG is an invaluable resource to any business event held in the capital. See »» An increase to the ceremonial capacity of and Government Appendix 10 for complete list of RALIG institutes. House to host major ceremonial functions »» Enhanced internal transport systems to complement the airport development Other and the potential for high speed rail »» To establish stronger links with Sydney to provide top up services when Canberra offers visitors an enormous choice of activities and attractions. required However, its proximity to the NSW South Coast, Snowy Mountains and Sydney, These improvements to infrastructure capacity in the capital would enhance means that other experiences outside of the capital are not far away. Canberra’s competitiveness in bidding for major events such as the G20 or CHOGM.

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Impact and legacy of high-level business Conclusion events Canberra is a unique city in Australia and the world, and its place as the nation’s ‘It is no coincidence that vibrant, sophisticated and influential cities around the capital would be enhanced by hosting major international events such as the world are characterised by a thriving meeting and conference sector’ (Cameron G20 Summit. The city already boasts many of the facilities and capabilities 2008) required to host such an event; however, based on past events an increase in capacity is required. The hosting of major international events in Canberra benefits the city and nation in more ways than just visitor dollars. It is also about the legacy and The benefit to Canberra and the nation that would result from hosting the G20 profile created by these events for the city. The network building, innovation Summit is exponential. The network building, innovation opportunities and opportunities and shared knowledge experiences are arguably more important shared knowledge experiences are arguably more important than the event itself. than the event itself. Delegates deliver more to the economy than just money. They deliver ideas, knowledge, connections and innovation, each of which encourages more of the Hosting major events provides the opportunity to showcase to the world what same. Canberra does well. This is achieved through the personal experiences of delegates and their associates as well as via international media coverage, the Until Canberra is fully capable of hosting major international events, it should benefit of which is immeasurable but no doubt colossal. look to host summit build-up and side events to increase the city’s profile and work towards a full event hosting role. Greater international awareness provides an impetus for the attraction of highly- skilled, highly-educated people to Canberra for employment and opportunities. Canberra is a city built with the purpose of top level meetings, and therefore it This would improve Canberra’s already enviable reputation as a clever city – a city is a natural fit for the city to host such events. Canberrans would welcome the of knowledge, culture and influence – and boost the nation’s pride in its capital. opportunity to take their city to the world stage and showcase its excellence, as evidenced during recent high level international visits.

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Canberra Convention Bureau List of appendices

The Canberra Convention Bureau offers knowledge and expertise in connecting 1. G20 Canberra logistic capacities various entities of the city together to strengthen any conference or summit 2. Canberra venues capacities and accommodation room components experience. The Bureau has close ties with the major venues, attractions and 3. List of Canberra attractions institutes of the capital and the surrounding region, which would greatly benefit event organisers. 4. G20 2011 Cannes and Los Cabos logistic requirements The Bureau’s capabilities extend beyond the borders of the city and can assist 5. G20 2011 program and summit themes event organisers with event arrangements or technical tours and trips to 6. G20 delegate information complement the event. 7. G20 build-up and side events Canberra Convention Bureau acknowledges the Economic Development 8. G20 budget information Directorate for its collaboration on this report. 9. Earlier G8 - G20 logistics and impact information 10. Research and Learning Institutes Group (RALIG) 11. Presentation Guide Cannes 12. Report resources

www.canberraconvention.com.au [email protected] +61 2 6247 7500

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