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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Deadline for papers for 23rd World Congress extended
    January 13, 2016
    The submission date for papers for the ITS World Congress has been extended from 13 January to 25 January 2016. The extension applies to Technical, Scientific or Commercial Papers and Special Interest Session proposals. Topics, guidelines and requirements for all paper and session categories can be found in the Call for Papers brochure.
    Read More
  • Bordeaux beckons the world ITS community
    September 21, 2015
    In less than three weeks’ time, global transport leaders and policy makers will gather to experience the latest developments from the intelligent transport solutions (ITS) industry, as the ITS World Congress opens its doors in Bordeaux, France. The Congress, run by Ertico, is the 22nd ITS World Congress, and is centred on the theme of “Towards Intelligent Mobility – Better Use of Space”. It will focus not only on how achieving intelligent mobility will change our lives but also on how space can benefit I
    Read More
  • Towards common standards for cooperative road infrastructures
    July 23, 2012
    Michael Noblett of Connexis discusses international progress towards common standards for cooperative road infrastructures. Will vehicle safety communications standards be able to support ITS on the international level, or will we settle once again for regional interoperability only? The answer lies in the current status of the draft standards themselves, and the requirements users and authorities are placing on the people who draft them.
    Read More
  • Michigan transport delegation and ITS Australia meet in Melbourne
    June 26, 2025
    'Mobility and innovation are in our DNA,' says state governor Gretchen Whitmer
    Read More

Highlighted Content