The city of Melbourne - including retailers, restaurants, bars and attractions – is expecting it’s newly launched “Marvellous March” calendar of events to attract over 117,000 additional daily visitors to the city.

According to industry body Tourism Alliance Victoria, Melbourne is the most lucrative domestic tourism destination in Australia, adding $4.7 billion to the city’s coffers.

Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, said that March is shaping up to be a month-long celebration of the best that Melbourne has to offer, with the whole city putting its best foot forward.

“Our city is recognisable for its ‘vibrant cultural scene, a sports crazy population, and culinary indulgences aplenty,” he said.

“This year there will be a particular focus on the wonderfully diverse background that has shaped Melbourne as the thriving metropolis it is today.

“From the floral to the culinary, fashion to French, queer, comedic, Greek, Thai, sustainable and filmic, there are plenty of reasons to get out and about during Marvellous March,” he added.

The city’s favourite annual events this month include the Moomba Festival (March 5-8); the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (March 12-23); the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (March 14-21); the iconic Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (March 24-28) at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March 24-April 18) featuring the world’s funniest comedians.

Between March 21 and 28 visitors can taste an array of food and cultural events – from the best “pad thai” in town at the free Thai Culture & Food Festival (March 21) or a tasty souvlaki or two at the Lonsdale Street Glendi Festival (March 27-28).

For those visitors wanting a taste of the city’s culinary delights the inaugural World Street Food Festival (March 21) at the Queen Victoria Market is the place to be.

As well, there’s an amazing line up of adrenalin pumping events including the 50th Anniversary of the Moomba Masters (March 5-8) and the Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids.

Other events providing thrills and spills include the NAB Cup (until March 23) and the country’s premier motor sport event the FORMULA 1™ Australian Grand Prix (March 25-28).

Finally, for film enthusiast there are three international film festivals, including the 2010 Indian Film Festival “Bollywood and Beyond” (March 10-17), the 20th Melbourne Queer Film Festival (March17-28) and the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival 2010 (March 4-19).

There are more than thirty events and festivals taking place during Marvellous March.

For details: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

by Shamoli Dutt - Austguide Travel News Editor