Page 2764 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 29 June 2010
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show that the exhibition made an economic contribution of more than $90 million to the territory and attracted an Australian record of around 460,000 visitors. Indeed, the exhibition was so popular that it had to be extended for two weeks, and for the first time a 24-hour opening was held to cater for the demand. That night-time opening and the special events that coincided with the Masterpieces exhibition indicate the direction and partnership that the government continues to want to progress with our national institutions.
We have now some data on the first quarter of 2010. The most recent national visitor survey released by Tourism Research Australia showed that in that March quarter the ACT received 612,000 domestic overnight visitors, and this was a 21.2 per cent increase when compared with the 2009 March quarter. It is a significant result when compared to the national scene. In that same quarter, domestic overnight visitation decreased by 0.5 per cent in the nation as a whole but was up by 21.2 per cent in the ACT.
Visitor nights in the territory increased by 32.4 per cent, up from 1.3 million to 1.7 million, and this compared with a flat result nationally for that corresponding period. The average length of stay increased from 2.6 to 2.8 nights and domestic overnight visitation to the ACT in the category of holiday or leisure increased by 63.6 per cent. The fact that so many visitors came to Canberra between January and March this year clearly showed that the Masterpieces exhibition had real pulling power.
I am, of course, pleased that all parties have acknowledged the ACT government’s investment—that it was a good investment for the territory. Of course, there was some scepticism from some in the tourism industry when we first announced this investment, but it was pleasing to see that at the conclusion of the event everyone was in agreement that it was one of the best decisions that the government has made in the tourism portfolio in recent times.
As speakers have alluded to, the government promised a new autumn event for the city. We have invested in that autumn event. Last year’s budget provided that allocation and it kicked off with the Starry Nights events as part of the Masterpieces exhibition. This was the first step in developing this new autumn event partnership between the ACT government and national institutions, in this instance starting with the National Gallery, involving special night-time openings and events.
Starry Nights was held over two weekends, coinciding with the 2010 Canberra Festival. Patrons enjoyed special evening viewings of the exhibition, introductory art talks, music and shopping at the gallery. There was live entertainment and gourmet food and wine were available.
Masterpieces from Paris was the biggest blockbuster ever staged in the capital and Starry Nights was a terrific success off the back of that. We can build on that initial success and see a steady evolution in Canberra’s autumn event, recognising that it will be a 20-year journey for it to rival Floriade in terms of our major anchor event for the autumn period. Floriade started off very small more than 20 years ago and has built up over time. That is what we intend with the autumn event.
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