Australia's largest tourism tradeshow, Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE26), opens this weekend at the Adelaide Convention Centre, with a strong turn-out from global travel buyers to showcase our unique travel experiences to the world.
More than 2,700 attendees including 730 buyers and travel agents from 32 countries will converge in Adelaide for ATE26. They will meet with 1,400 Australian industry representatives from 674 tourism organisations, highlighting the best that South Australia and Australia have to offer alongside events and familiarisations to visit our local tourism offerings.
There are already more than 55,000 appointments scheduled to take place over the next four days, with many more expected on the fringes of the event. Each one of these meetings contribute to new and strengthened relationships and partnerships that drive sustained growth in the tourism sector, and economic opportunity for all Australians.
The last time the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) was held in Adelaide was in 2018, with Brisbane hosting last year.
At a difficult time for the tourism industry, it is more important than ever that we are taking every opportunity available to highlight the unique, world-class tourism experiences that Australia has to offer.
ATE26 is being delivered in partnership with the South Australia Tourism Commission, who have provided enormous support to ensure extraordinary experiences for attendees.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:
"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."
Quote attributable to the South Australian Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke:
"The connections made at ATE will result in new travellers visiting South Australia and supporting our businesses for years to come.
"South Australia's tourism industry has come a long way since we last hosted in 2018, from a suite of new major hotel chains to innovative new products telling our story authentically to visitors.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack
"Tourism shapes how Australia is experienced and understood globally, building the national brand and creating lasting people-to-people connections at events like ATE.
"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."
