Travel

Gold Coast hosts Tourism Australias annual flagship event

by Sandip Hor | @twfindia 18 May 2023, 09:51 pm

Tourism Australia’s largest annual travel trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange 2023 (ATE23) was held at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Apr 30 to May 4 with over 2,300 delegates.

This year ATE has returned to its traditional format for the first time since 2019, with four days of appointments.

The tourism travel show has taken place in a condensed hybrid format over the past two years.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said the first full ATE in years is an important milestone for the Australian tourism industry as it continues to rebuild off the back of the most challenging few years in its history.

“International travellers are returning to our shores but the competition for the global tourism dollar is now greater than ever before which is why business-to-business events, such as ATE, are so important,” Harrison said.

“ATE brings together tourism businesses, tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world for four days of appointments as well as networking events, while our international buyers get the chance to experience our world class tourism offerings first hand.”

“The delegates visit from more than 30 countries and we know once they have seen what Australia has to offer for themselves they will be well placed to tell travellers why Australia is the best place in the world for their next holiday.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the whole state was ready to welcome ATE delegates in what is another important step forward in our international recovery.

Destination Gold Coast Interim CEO Karen Bolinger said the Gold Coast has transformed in recent years into one of the nation's most vibrant destinations.

"We want the Gold Coast to be one of the most desirable destinations across the world and ATE gives us an extraordinary opportunity to position ourselves as Asia-Pacific’s most dynamic and innovative holiday and business events destination," Bolinger said. 

"ATE will be our time to really shine and showcase to the world a rejuvenated Gold Coast as delegates experience first-hand every flavour of our city that we enjoy every single day.

"The Gold Coast boasts golden beaches which are home to the world’s first floating underwater reef, unspoiled waterfalls and hiking trails through World Heritage listed rainforest and cool urban coastal precincts, all within a 45-minute radius."

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will return to Melbourne/Naarm next year for the first time since 2015, with Australia’s largest annual tourism trade event to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from Sunday, May 19 to May 23, 2024.

The Indian contingent to this event was notable. It included 36 tour operators from different parts of the country plus media.