Major events review to keep Victoria ahead

Melbourne has them, Sydney wants them, and this time it's not laneways or train lines.

NSW has added 110 sporting, cultural and lifestyle events to its calendar since 2011, but Victoria is determined to stay ahead.

"Our calendar of events is the envy of the rest of the world, but we should never become complacent," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday.

Victoria has ordered a review of its major events calendar to make sure it stays ahead of the pack.

"We recognise our interstate counterparts are hot on our heels," Sports Minister John Eren said.

Sir Rod Eddington will chair a reference group, while KPMG and government departments will review the government bodies responsible for tourism and major events.

One of those government bodies is the Victorian Major Events Company, whose board members include Eddie McGuire and Fairfax CEO Greg Hywood.

Mr Andrews said the Victorian Visitor Economy Review would be the first of its kind in nearly two decades.

The state government said Victoria attracts 2.3 million international tourists each year, as many as Queensland.