Skip to main content

ITS World Congress has a bigger than expected impact on Melbourne’s economy

The 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, in Melbourne, has had a bigger than expected economic impact on the local economy and is now estimated to be US$34.5 million (AU$46.6 million), nearly twice the initial projection. The increase has been attributed to the higher than anticipated attendance figures. More than 11,500 Australian and international delegates participated, 4,500 registrations more than the target figure of 7,000. The high volume of visitors had a positive impact on the loca
May 15, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, in Melbourne, has had a bigger than expected economic impact on the local economy and is now estimated to be US$34.5 million (AU$46.6 million), nearly twice the initial projection.


The increase has been attributed to the higher than anticipated attendance figures. More than 11,500 Australian and international delegates participated, 4,500 registrations more than the target figure of 7,000. The high volume of visitors had a positive impact on the local economy with benefits felt, in particular, across hotels, transport companies, restaurants and places of interest. The state of Victoria also benefited, with many visitors opting to make additional trips to regional Victoria and interstate.

Delivering the 6456 ITS World Congress to Melbourne was a collaborative effort, involving many partners including the Victorian Government, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

The ITS World Congress showcased Melbourne’s multi modal transport network, taking more than 650 delegates to key air, sea, road, train, tram and freight centres. Albert Park’s internationally-recognised Formula One track was one of multiple locations for 3,500 booked live vehicle technology demonstrations. Almost 250 plenary, executive, special interest, scientific and technical sessions, 278 exhibiting partners, a hackathon and the student and public community projects were held at the MCEC.

Related Content

  • November 27, 2015
    Call for papers for ITS Glasgow and ITS Melbourne
    Ertico-ITS Europe has issued a call for papers for the 11th European ITS Congress 2016 to be held in Glasgow on 6-9 June 2016 and the 23rd ITS World Congress, to be held in Melbourne on 10-14 October 2016. Deadline for submissions for ITS Europe is 13 January 2016. More information is available on the website. (link http://glasgow2016.itsineurope.com/) Deadline for submission for the ITS World Congress is 13 January 2016. More information is on the ITS World Congress website. (link http://www.itsworld
  • June 8, 2015
    ITS World Congress preliminary programme and registration now online
    The preliminary programme of the 22nd ITS World Congress is now available online. In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies and three Plenary Sessions, highlights of this year’s event include the Ministerial Roundtable, two high-level technology summits, three general public sessions and a public afternoon open to all. Download the programme for details of the interactive timetable, sessions, speakers, social and associated events and the more than 20 demonstrations that are planned during the Co
  • April 29, 2021
    ITS America 2021: best of both worlds
    ITS America’s rearranged Annual Meeting will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, in early December. It is going to be Covid-safe and full of great content – both in-person and online
  • June 18, 2013
    Melbourne installs smart road technology
    Work is now underway on installing the latest electronic freeway management technology along Melbourne’s West Gate Freeway in Victoria, Australia, with the entire project to be completed by the middle of next year. Installation of the freeway management system along more of Melbourne’s road network will be fully integrated with the one already in use on the M1 east of Williamstown Road as well as that proposed for the M80 Ring Road, according to Victorian Roads (VicRoads) minister Terry Mulder. “Indeed, ou