MELBOURNE: THE WORLD’S BIGGEST public transport event – the Union International des Transports Publics (UITP) Global Public Transport Summit – will be held in Melbourne, Australia, in 2021 it’s been announced recently.
This is a major acknowledgement of the city’s place as a global leader in public transport, experts agree.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren welcomed the announcement that Melbourne has been selected to host the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in 2021 – the first time the event has been held in the Southern Hemisphere in 28 years.
The UITP Global Public Transport Summit runs every two years and has operated for more than 130 years.
With $50 billion invested to transform Melbourne’s transport network and the biggest tram network in the world, Melbourne is the ideal destination to bring together leading transport experts from around the world, it’s stated. The Summit is expected to inject $9.4 million into the Victorian economy, the Victorian Government states.
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The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – undergoing a $200 million expansion and due to be opened mid-year – will host the Summit.
The redevelopment will see the world-class facilities boosted with an additional 9000 square metres of event space, bringing the total size of Melbourne’s signature venue to 70,000 square metres, it’s claimed.
As part of Melbourne’s bid, the Victorian Labor Government has secured 100 delegate registrations to be awarded to women in leadership roles as part of the Government’s Women in Transport programme, it’s stated.
The most recent UITP Global Public Transport Summit was held in Montreal in 2017. It attracted more than 2500 delegates and their partners from 84 countries, including study tours across North America.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said: “With our massive programme of major transport projects like the Metro Tunnel and level crossing removals, it makes sense that the world’s biggest public transport conference wants to come to Victoria.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren added: “With the biggest infrastructure pipeline in the country – this Summit belongs in Victoria. We’re redeveloping MCEC for this very reason, to attract thousands more visitors, create jobs and boost our economy.”
Public Transport Victoria CEO Jeroen Weimar said: “With the biggest tram network in the world and major projects expected to be well underway during 2021, it will be the perfect time to showcase what our city has to offer.”
Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Karen Bolinger added: “We’re proud to be hosting the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in 2021, further demonstrating Melbourne’s global appeal and reputation as Australia’s business events capital.”