With Sydney’s second major airport, Western Sydney International, set to open later this year, 2027 is shaping up to be a big visitor economy year for the city – alongside ATE, it will also host another key Tourism Australia event, its international incentive showcase Australia Next.
“South Australia has done a wonderful job hosting ATE this year and Sydney – home to so many iconic experiences – will be an excellent host next year,” said Australia’s tourism and trade minister, Don Farrell.
Over 2,900 attendees from the local and international travel industry flocked to the event in Adelaide this year, with international travel buyers coming from more than 32 countries.
“The Australian Tourism Exchange 2027 will showcase the incredible diversity of experiences our state has to offer to hundreds of local and international buyers,” said the New South Wales tourism minister, Steve Kamper.
“Securing the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest international tourism tradeshow for NSW will play a key role in the Minns Labor Government achieving its goal of $91 billion in visitor economy expenditure by 2035.
“I look forward to joining with stakeholders to share NSW’s unique tourism offering at this important trade event, which will reinforce why NSW is Australia’s leading tourism and business event destination.”
“During ATE26, Destination NSW and 95 NSW visitor economy operators connected with the world’s most influential travel buyers and media.
“This year’s NSW delegation included 41 tourism operators from regional NSW, 54 from Sydney, 17 first-time attendees and nine Aboriginal experience sellers who reinforced NSW’s position as Australia’s leading destination for authentic, immersive experiences,” Kamper said.
Tourism Australia’s managing director, Robin Mack, said ATE 2026 had delivered solid business outcomes.
“These face-to-face meetings have strengthened relationships to deliver a pipeline of forward business that contributes to the continued sustainable growth of the Australian tourism sector.”
Tourism Australia will partner with Destination NSW to host ATE 2027. The event will be held at ICC Sydney from May 16 o 20.
“The long-term benefits created by the event are substantial – the relationships it builds and the future business it drives play a critical role in inbound tourism growth,” said Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones.
It hasn’t been very long been proverbial drinks for Sydney as host of ATE – the harbour city last hosted in 2022.
