We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of Ngunnawal Country, the land on which we meet today. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also recognise any other people or families with connection to the ACT and Region.
Dr Paul Grimes PSM, Chief Executive Officer of The Australian Trade and Investment Commission, on the collaboration with the National Capital in developing international tourism and trade opportunities
Dr Paul Grimes provided a forward-looking update on Australia’s tourism strategy. His presentation focused on three key areas: the next phase of THRIVE 2030, updates to national tourism data, and revitalising international tourism relationships.
THRIVE 2030, Australia’s national strategy for the long-term sustainable growth of the visitor economy, has completed its Recovery Phase (2022–2024), exceeding its visitor spend target with $213.9 billion nationally and $79 billion in regional Australia. With 62 of 64 strategic actions delivered, focus now shifts to the Consolidation and Acceleration phases. A streamlined new action plan is being co-designed with industry and government, reflecting sustainability, aviation access, workforce needs and alignment with ACT’s T2030 strategy.
"It is notable that there really are significant overlaps between the work that's being done with our national framework Thrive 2030 and the work here in the ACT under the T2030 framework"
Tourism Research Australia has modernised its data methodology, moving away from traditional phone surveys to more accurate, mobile-based tracking. The March 2025 quarter showed a decline in domestic tourism—with overnight spend down 7%—but highlighted strong international tourism growth, with visitor spend up 25%. The ACT saw a slight decline in domestic trips but increased international spend, reinforcing the importance of diversified markets.
Austrade is rebuilding international engagement through initiatives such as the revitalised Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme with China and new partnerships in Southeast and South Asia. More than 4,570 Chinese tour groups have visited since the ADS relaunch. The ACT’s efforts to expand aviation links and drive sustainable international visitation align with these national priorities.
Paul encouraged continued collaboration and emphasised Austrade’s commitment to supporting growth in the ACT visitor economy. Inviting the tourism community to stay up to date by subscribing to TRA news alerts and Austrade's Visitor Economy newsletter.
Gillian Geraghty, ACT Chief Engineer and Director-General of Infrastructure Canberra, on major projects meeting the needs of a dynamic and growing city
Gillian Geraghty provided a comprehensive update on major infrastructure projects shaping Canberra’s future—many with significant relevance for the tourism sector.
With oversight of projects exceeding $20 million and a pipeline valued at $8 billion, Infrastructure Canberra is delivering spaces and services that enhance the visitor experience and support local businesses. Among the key highlights was the Canberra Theatre Centre redevelopment, with early works now underway. Gillian noted the strong tourism value of theatre audiences and how plans for the new Lyric Theatre aims to enable even more major productions that will drive visitation.
"75% of patrons who saw Chicago said it was their main reason for visiting."
Other projects include a new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park, supported by the Australian Government, and planning for a future Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre precinct to address current capacity constraints. These developments, alongside the delivery of Light Rail Stage 2A—set for completion by early 2028—will help unlock new visitor flows and enhance the CBD’s appeal.
Gillian acknowledged the disruption these works can cause and outlined expanded business support measures, including parking incentives, fee waivers, and a capability-building program for affected businesses.
She encouraged tourism operators to stay informed and plan ahead by engaging with the ACT Government’s real-time infrastructure pipeline tool, the only one of its kind in Australia.
"It is a real time data source of any upcoming infrastructure procurements across all of the act government agencies"
In closing, Gillian reaffirmed her open-door approach and welcomed feedback from the tourism community to help shape infrastructure that serves both residents and visitors alike.
Richard Snow, Group Head of Property - Capital Property Group, on the developments reshaping the National Capital’s city centre
Richard Snow shared Capital Property Group’s bold vision for reshaping Canberra’s city centre through three major mixed-use developments, totalling an unprecedented $1.5 billion private investment. The projects—Vernon at Constitution Place, London Central, and Section 121—aim to transform the heart of Canberra into a more vibrant, active and liveable city..
Richard emphasised the group’s deep connection to Canberra as a locally owned company and its commitment to quality architecture, sustainability and precinct-making. Vernon, a $150 million carbon-neutral office development, will complete the award-winning Constitution Place precinct and support new ways of working with flexible, sustainable design.
London Central, adjacent to the Law Courts, is a $700 million investment that will introduce 65,000 square metres of premium office, food and beverage, and retail space. It will also enhance pedestrian access and create a lively precinct anchored by a revitalised London Circuit, all contributing to Canberra’s appeal as a destination.
Section 121, the largest of the three at $750 million, will deliver a residential-led, mixed-use precinct with 500 apartments, a hotel, offices and a central 2,500m² public park. Designed to support 24/7 activity, it aims to bridge Civic and Lake Burley Griffin, creating a gateway precinct for locals and visitors alike.
Richard called on all levels of government, especially the Commonwealth, to continue prioritising enabling infrastructure like light rail, the new theatre, and convention centre upgrades. These city-shaping developments will only thrive, he said, with coordinated investment and planning reform—efforts already gaining momentum through Minister Chris Steel’s Development Solutions Department and Infrastructure Canberra’s groundwork.
Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Leaders Forum highlighted:
Congratulations to the Canberra Theatre on its 60th Year and to VisitCanberra for their recent presentation to industry.
A reminder that Winter in the City, presented by the City Renewal Authority, returns this year from 5–19 July and Christmas in July at the Lakefront runs from today until this Sunday 6 July presented by the National Capital Authority.
Next forum Tuesday 5 August 2025.
Speakers will include: Andy Lopez, Co-owner of Summernats; Matt Anderson PSM, Director Australian War Memorial; Dash Rumble and Ross McQuinn, Co-owners of Pilot and Such and Such restaurants