The lucrative business events sector took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and has struggled to get back on its feet, leaving hotels, caterers and other companies reliant on the big-spending travellers in a tight spot.
Business arrivals are still tracking lower than 2019, on Tourism Research Australia's numbers, but the pipeline of events is improving.
Australia now has more than $1 billion worth of international events coming up, Tourism Australia announced on Monday.
They include the International Astronautical Congress later this year in Sydney and the Women Deliver gender equality conference in Melbourne in 2026.
Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell said the government's bid funding program was helping Australia snag big conferences.
"The bid fund program is helping Aussie businesses to beat the competition, and attract first-class events which are a boon for the economy," he said.
Grants are available in the critical bidding stage for large business events that will attract more than $3 million to the local economy.
Australian Business Events Association chief executive Melissa Brown said business events drive innovation, collaboration and commercial partnerships.
"They bring leaders in their field together to solve complex problems and build growth in academia, health, education, medical, mining and many other industries," she said.
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