AIME 2009 to Go Ahead as Scheduled

AIME 2009, 17th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo is to be held as scheduled on 17 and 18 February despite the devastating bushfires that have occurred in the State of Victoria over the past few days.

While the fires have caused massive loss of life and impacted towns across Victoria’s regions including particular areas of the Yarra Valley, Gippsland and Victoria’s High Country, Melbourne - the city - has not been directly affected. 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.

“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, Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (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 added.

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.

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