AEC was engaged by Wagga Wagga City Council to develop a Business Case for Stage 3 of the Riverside Development, featuring an Entertainment/ Convention Centre and Indigenous Cultural Centre. The project addresses key market gaps, enhances business and cultural tourism, and positions the region as a key events destination. Delivered under Infrastructure Australia and NSW Treasury guidelines, the five-stage business case included strategic assessment, stakeholder engagement, design options, economic analysis, and final case presentation.

AEC was commissioned by JTSI to develop an Industry Development Strategy for WA’s superyacht sector. The project involved global and national sector research, extensive stakeholder engagement, and identification of growth scenarios.  The strategy provides recommendations to position WA’s superyacht industry for future opportunities, driving job creation and economic prosperity across the state and supply chain.

The Tropical North Queensland region, a cornerstone of Queensland’s tourism industry, was hit hard by the pandemic. Recognising the need for action, TTNQ partnered with AEC to advocate for the region’s recovery.  AEC developed a strategic lobbying document that presented a compelling case for Queensland and Federal Government investment in the region’s tourism sector. This resulted in TTNQ securing $15 million in funding, directly supporting the recovery and growth of local tourism operators and helping to restore the region’s appeal as a global tourism destination.

In partnership with The B Hive, AEC developed a ten-year cruise tourism strategy for Western Australia. The project involved analysing global and local trends, engaging with cruise lines, ports, local governments, and tourism organisations, as well as conducting a workshop with the Super Week Cruise Western Australia Committee.  AEC created a SWOT analysis, defined strategic goals, and developed a detailed implementation plan with actions for short to long-term growth. The strategy also included ten-year projections and set clear targets to guide the region’s cruise tourism growth and enhance its global competitiveness.

AEC assessed Bundaberg’s hotel market to identify investment barriers and future demand. The study included market engagement, investor presentations, and a hotel investment prospectus to support Council’s efforts to attract new accommodation and stimulate growth in the regional visitor economy.

AEC took on the challenge of assessing the current and future value of dinosaur tourism, combining socio-economic profiling, in-depth stakeholder engagement, and robust economic impact modelling.  AEC’s analysis uncovered key opportunities for growth and identified strategic actions to capitalise on the region’s prehistoric assets. A four-page summary was developed, providing TEQ with actionable recommendations to foster sustainable sector growth through targeted marketing and development initiatives.

AEC prepared a detailed business case for developing Darwin’s superyacht industry and its potential to expand.  The work aligned with the National Superyacht Development Strategy and identified infrastructure and service gaps, investment requirements, and policy actions to support growth, positioning the Territory as a national hub aligned with the Superyacht Development Strategy.

The Property Council of Australia (PCA) commissioned the Resident Sentiment Survey to explore interstate migration drivers and housing perceptions in Queensland. The study comprised two components: the Interstate Resident Survey, engaging 1,000 Sydneysiders and Melbournians on migration intentions and housing preferences, and the Queensland Resident Survey, with 700 South East Queensland residents assessing housing availability and affordability. Findings provide PCA with critical insights to guide land release and policy decisions that support an affordable, well-functioning residential property market.

Taree Universities Campus (TUC) is a community-owned, not-for-profit facility dedicated to improving local access to tertiary education and addressing regional skill gaps. With a focus on helping students remain in the Mid-Coast while studying, TUC commissioned research to identify education and workforce needs. The study combines desktop analysis with surveys of residents, Year 12 school leavers and local businesses, providing insights into course demand, labour shortages and opportunities to better align local skills with industry needs.

The Darwin Cruise Ship Passenger and Crew Study, commissioned by the Western Australia Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, examined expenditure, satisfaction with port and city infrastructure, transport connections and access to regional experiences. More than 800 intercept surveys with passengers and crew at the Darwin Port Cruise Ship Terminal informed the study. The findings provide valuable intelligence for Tourism NT, Darwin Port Corporation and sector stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences, extend stays, increase spend and attract more cruise activity.

AEC is delivering six annual surveys and research reports (2024–2027) for Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads. Engaging customers, industry, and accessibility groups through online surveys and focus groups, the program captures insights into satisfaction, experience, and regulation.  The findings guide service improvements and policy to ensure a responsive, accessible personalised transport system.

AEC has conducted Aqwest’s annual Customer Satisfaction Survey since 2016, assessing customer satisfaction with Aqwest services in Bunbury, particularly regarding its role as a local company. With a sample of over 600 customers, the survey evaluates service quality, performance, and future enhancements. Results are used for KPI tracking, decision-making, and informing customer-focused improvements in the annual reporting process.