Sydney’s strong focus on the Asian incentive market is paying off, with the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau securing two high profile incentives meetings from China and Taiwan within one week. Around 1000 representatives of pharmaceutical company Roche China will hold their incentive meeting in Sydney in February next year, while about 1600 representatives of Shinkong Life Insurance in Taiwan will travel to Sydney on an incentive visit in April.

The two events, both confirmed in late October, are worth an estimated $16.6 million to the New South Wales economy.

Announcing the wins, SCVB Bureau Managing Director Jon Hutchison said the city had defeated considerable international and interstate competition to secure the events.

“In the case of Roche China, this is the first time the company has chosen a Western destination for their incentive so we are honoured to be selected,” Mr Hutchison said.

“We are also very proud to have won the Shinkong bid as it represents a return visit for the company, which held its 2001 incentive meeting in Sydney. Shinkong’s decision to come back to Sydney was based on the fact that we have lots of new product which will enable them to offer their staff an exciting, fresh experience.”

Mr Hutchison said Sydney had defeated Melbourne and the Gold Coast to secure the Shinkong Life Insurance visit.

He said while northern Asia was a key target market for the SCVB, competition for incentive business from the region was becoming tougher.

“Sydney’s success in securing these two meetings clearly demonstrates the benefit of the SCVB’s decision in 2004 to establish a dedicated office in the Asian market.”