Melbourne jumped 21 places in international association meeting city rankings to reach the18th position in the world.

Sandra Chipchase, chief executive officer (below right) of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), said Melbourne’s outstanding achievements were a testament to the city’s and the bureau’s ability to secure and host successful business events.

“This is the greatest increase, year-on-year comparison, for any capital city in Australia, putting Melbourne in the top 20 international meeting cities, and if the trends of the past few years are anything to go by, we are quickly heading towards a top 10 position,” she added.

Melbourne has seen spectacular growth over the last five years (2006-2010), with 74% increase in international meetings.

“This report, recognised globally as a key measure of success when it comes to business events destinations, therefore identifies Melbourne as one of the world’s most rapidly improving cities,” said Chipchase.

In terms of city rankings and number of meetings the results for Melbourne were the best for more than 10 years.

She attributed the city’s success to MCVB, as well to the city’s wide choice of accommodation offering that has seen the opening of major hotels such as Crown Metropol, Australia’s largest hotel, and  Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, which adjoins the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The UIA report will be available from September 15, 2011.