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 22, 2013
    ITS Australia appoints global ambassadors for 2016 ITS World Congress
    ITS Australia has launched its international ambassador program to help promote the 23rd Intelligent Transport systems World Congress to be held 10 to 14 October in Melbourne, Australia. To be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the ITS World Congress and its complementary exhibition are expected to attract more than 5,000 delegates to the capital that has been a regular winner of “the world’s most liveable city” title. ITS Australia Chief Executive Officer Susan Harris said the 20
    Read More
  • June 27, 2017
    ITS Australia to bid to host 2020 ITS Asia Pacific Forum and Exhibition
    ITS Australia is to bid to hold the 17th ITS Asia Pacific Forum and Exhibition in Brisbane in 2020.
    Read More
  • July 25, 2016
    Australian and international speakers added to ITS World Congress program
    With less than three months until the 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, in Melbourne, 10 -14 October 2016, the congress programme has added further insight from Australian and international speakers across a range of subjects. Following the recent confirmation of Jack Dangermond, founder and president of mapping technology company Esri as a keynote plenary speaker, Matthew Cole, president of US based Cubic Transportation Systems will participate in the Mobility as a Service Plenary se
    Read More
  • October 12, 2016
    ITS World Congress in Melbourne has been outstanding success
    This week’s ITS World Congress is on track to be an outstanding success, says Brian Negus, ITS Australia president, and RACV general manager public policy. “Our target for the congress was 7000 delegates, but as of late Tuesday, we had 9850 delegates – and we’ve had great feedback from our plenary sessions,” he said.
    Read More

Highlighted Content