The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE26) opened this weekend at Adelaide Convention Centre to strong turnout from global travel buyers and industry representatives.
Australia’s largest tourism trade show will welcome more than 2,700 attendees including 730 buyers and travel advisors from 32 countries across five days.
International delegates will meet with 1,400 Australian industry representatives from 674 home-grown organisations, highlighting the best that the country, and South Australia, have to offer.
The convention is held in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission, with 55,000 appointments scheduled to take place over the week alongside a host of events and familiarisation experiences.
Australia under the spotlight
Minster for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said that the conference would provide a significant boost to the South Australian economy.
“Our tourism industry contributes significantly to Australia’s economy supporting more than 700,000 jobs, attracting visitors to regional communities and sustaining some 300,000 businesses across the country. With more than 55,000 meetings scheduled, ATE26 is estimated to contribute an estimated $13.6 million economic boost to the South Australian economy.
“The face-to-face meetings that will take place in Adelaide and its surrounding regions over the next four days are an opportunity for tourism businesses in South Australia, and all around the country, to share their stories about the incredible experiences Australia has to offer with key decision makers,” he said.
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Emily Bourke said that the event will put South Australian tourism product firmly in the spotlight.
“Hundreds of travel buyers from around the world will see the best of South Australia over the coming week – including visits right across the state – experiencing our best in food and wine, nature and of course, our South Australian hospitality,” she said.
Tourism Australia managing director Robin Mack said that events like ATE26 are instrumental in building Australia’s national brand and creating lasting people-to-people connections.
“This year will see 74 new products offered, and 131 new buyer organisations attending for the first time highlighting strong demand in the sector and in Australia in particular.
“We acknowledge the impact of global shocks on the sector at this time, which makes the role of Tourism Australia more important than ever – to shape international demand, lift sustainable yield and support dispersal, directing tourism revenues into Australia and across its regions,” Mack said.
