Melbourne, Australia, is poised to further solidify its reputation as a premier global hub for major events, particularly in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) travel industry. The city is set to host the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2025, a prestigious gathering expected to bring together 3,000 leading experts in gastroenterology and hepatology from around the globe. Scheduled to take place from September 20th to 22nd, 2025, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), WCOG 2025 is projected to inject a significant $17.7 million into Victoria’s local economy, underscoring the substantial economic impact of international conferences on both the travel industry and local tourism.
The successful bid to host the World Congress of Gastroenterology 2025 was a collaborative effort led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in partnership with the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA). The endeavor received vital support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program, which plays a crucial role in securing high-profile international events like WCOG 2025. This achievement positions Melbourne as a pivotal hub in the global MICE travel industry, reinforcing the city’s strong reputation in medical research, healthcare innovation, and event hosting.
Geoffrey Metz, President of the World Gastroenterology Organisation and a Club Melbourne Ambassador, played a pivotal role in securing the bid. His leadership, coupled with the combined efforts of MCB and GESA, ensured Melbourne’s success in attracting this key MICE event to Australia. Julia Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, emphasized Melbourne’s prominence in the global healthcare and travel industry as a key factor in securing WCOG 2025. “Melbourne’s renowned standing in medical research and innovation, combined with the Victorian Government’s dedication to advancing our medical precincts, has firmly positioned the city as a top choice for hosting international healthcare conferences,” Ms. Swanson stated.
She further explained that the congress would serve as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation, ultimately driving advancements in gastroenterology and hepatology. “These MICE events play a crucial role in fostering breakthroughs that lead to substantial improvements in health outcomes,” Ms. Swanson added. The World Congress of Gastroenterology is expected to be a transformative moment for professionals in the field, enabling them to engage with cutting-edge research, learn from each other’s expertise, and explore new collaborative opportunities. This MICE event underscores the paramount importance of international conferences in promoting knowledge exchange across borders.
The arrival of over 3,000 delegates from all corners of the globe will have a substantial impact on the local economy. As Melbourne gears up to host the event, it is anticipated to significantly boost not only the travel industry but also hospitality, retail, and other associated sectors. According to Tourism Australia, the influx of international visitors for WCOG 2025 will contribute to both Melbourne’s visitor economy and the broader Australian tourism landscape. Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison highlighted the economic significance of business events like WCOG, noting that international business events contributed $4.4 billion to Australia’s economy in the 12 months leading up to June 2023. “More than 3,000 delegates will travel to Melbourne next year for WCOG, making a significant contribution to the local visitor economy,” she said.
This large-scale MICE event is expected to further underline Melbourne’s importance on the global stage and its role in attracting high-value business tourism. Adding further value to the event, the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) will integrate its annual Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW) into WCOG 2025. AGW is a leading national event that regularly attracts around 1,700 attendees, and its inclusion will offer both national and international delegates a unique opportunity to engage with their peers, share insights, and collaborate on a larger scale.
Professor Alex Boussioutas, President of GESA, expressed the society’s delight at being awarded hosting rights for WCOG 2025. “In collaboration with the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO), this event will bring together Australia’s and the world’s leading voices in gastroenterology and hepatology,” he stated. By incorporating AGW into the congress, Melbourne will further cement its role as a central player in advancing the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology while providing a platform for deeper global collaboration within the MICE travel industry.
Melbourne’s hosting of the World Congress of Gastroenterology 2025 is a testament to its ability to attract major international events that contribute to the local and national economy. The event reflects the city’s strengths in both healthcare and the MICE travel industry, drawing professionals from across the globe to discuss and advance medical breakthroughs. The combination of Melbourne’s state-of-the-art venues, such as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and its rich history of innovation in the healthcare sector continues to make it an appealing destination for major global events. As WCOG 2025 approaches, the city’s MICE travel industry will be in the spotlight, demonstrating its capacity to deliver world-class events that drive economic growth and professional collaboration.
