Tourism continues to make a significant contribution to Geelong and The Bellarine, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars to the local economy, says Geelong Otway Tourism's Executive Director Roger Grant.

With Victoria Tourism Week running from September 2 to 7, Mr Grant says now is the perfect time to celebrate the tourism industry's vital impact on the region.

A recent Tourism Economic Impact Analysis report commissioned by the City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Otway Tourism revealed the industry's key role in the regional economy.

The report estimated that the tourism sector in Greater Geelong generated more than $553 million in annual economic output and supported 3,355 jobs.

"When you look at the flow-on effects of visitor expenditure throughout the local economy these figures are much higher, with more than $1 billion in total value for the region," Mr Grant says.

"The report clearly demonstrates that the impacts of tourism extend well beyond our tourism operators to many other industries and sectors."

Mr Grant says events are a key driver for tourism and Business Events Geelong plays a critical role in attracting events to the region, growing the tourism industry and local economy.

"Geelong Otway Tourism's latest annual report shows that over 1,600 business events were held in the region, approximately 64,000 delegates participated in these events, and an estimated $40 million in direct economic impact was generated for the region," Mr Grant says.

Events supported by Business Events Geelong supported in 2012-13 included the Avalon Airshow, Museums Australia state conference, Deakin University's 'Having a Say' event and Rotary conferences.

Media enquiries: 

Roger Grant
Executive Director Geelong Otway Tourism

P: 03 5223 2588

Ingrid Sanders
Gemini Communications, 
 m: 0408 112 728
e: ingridsanders@msn.com