AIME 2009, 17th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo will be held as scheduled on 17 & 18 February and has not been affected by the devastating bushfires that have occurred in the State of Victoria over the past few days.

The fires, caused by unprecedented severe weather (extreme temperatures and strong winds) on Saturday 7 February resulted in significant bushfires across the State of Victoria.

While fire has impacted towns across Victoria’s regions including particular areas of the Yarra Valley, Gippsland and Victoria’s High Country, Melbourne has not suffered.  Many of the bushfires that are currently impacting Victoria are on the north east rural fringe of Melbourne, over an hour from the central business district.

There are no interruptions to transport links to Melbourne. Melbourne Airport is fully operational and airline services in and out of Melbourne have not been impacted.

Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) is monitoring the bushfires closely. “The safety of Hosted Buyers, media and exhibitors is paramount. At this stage all pre tours will go ahead as planned. Should anything change we will make alternative arrangements,” said Sandra Chipchase, CEO, MCVB. “While part of Victoria’s tourism industry has been impacted by the bushfires, many of the State’s natural assets still offer unforgettable tourism experiences. These include tourism offerings along the iconic Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula and the Murray,” Ms Chipchase said.

MCVB and Reed Travel Exhibitions are coordinating an AIME Bushfire Appeal. Money can be donated to assist people affected by the bushfires at collection bins on the MCVB Stand Registration Desk during AIME 09. All monies collected at AIME will be donated to the Red Cross bushfire appeal.