Brisbane is counting down the days before world leaders arrive in the city for the G20 summit.
Barack Obama, David Cameron, Angela Merkel will likely be among the political heavy weights attending – and the city’s hospitality industry is preparing for a massive boom as the world’s eyes turn to Australia.
Three new hotels have opened in recent months – with two more the be open by November when the summit arrives.
There’s also been a surge in new restaurants opening their doors and local breweries fuelling a proclaimed ‘beer revolution’ in Australia.
As part of the build-up to the global event, the city has launched ‘Brisbane Welcomes the World’ in a bid to take full advantage of the occasion.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said there was considerable interest from industry in ‘Brisbane Welcomes the World’ training ahead of the Leaders Summit and local businesses and volunteers would play an important role in the success of the forum.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to learn more about their home city and to present that in a friendly way during the G20 Summit,” Councillor Quirk said.
It’s expected around 2000 concierges, taxi drivers, retail staff, tourism operators and volunteers will have completed the program before November.
It involves online and face-to-face modules aimed at encouraging visitors to develop a personal connection with the city, its culture and events that will stay with them and be shared with colleagues, friends and family.
“A lot of people say when they visit Brisbane, how long have you been keeping this place a secret?” Cr Quirk said.