The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), run by Tourism Australia, sees 730 buyers and travel agents from 32 countries meet with 1,400 Australian tourism representatives from 674 organisations.
More than 55,000 appointments between buyers and sellers are locked in to take place over four days at the event. ATE also includes several evening networking functions, including a welcome event tonight at Tasting Australia in Victoria Square.
“Tourism shapes how Australia is experienced and understood globally, building the national brand and creating lasting people-to-people connections at events like ATE,” said Tourism Australia’s managing director, Robin Mack.
“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.”
ATE26 is being delivered in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission. The event is expected to deliver a $13.7 million economic injection into the local economy.
“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,” said South Australia’s new tourism minister, 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 [ATE] in 2018, from a suite of new major hotel chains to innovative new products telling our story authentically to visitors.”
