Australia's largest tourism trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) begins in Brisbane today providing a multi million-dollar injection to the local and state economy.
Speaking at the official opening of ATE today, Queensland Minister for Tourism Merri Rose and Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) Managing Director, Ken Boundy said the event was the most important in the tourism industry's history.
"ATE is arguably the most important event for the country's export industry driving more foreign exchange earnings than any other event," he said. "And, the success of ATE this year is critical, given the recent turmoil in the global travel sector following September 11 and the collapse of
Ansett.
"The past nine months have been tough for operators Australia-wide and with international tourism heavyweights in town, it is critical to secure their commitment to Australia's inbound tourism industry.
"Holiday packages sold by the international delegates attending ATE deliver around 2.3 million international visitors to Australia each year - close to half of all inbound visitors. And, these travellers inject around $4.9 billion into the Australian economy.
"No other event delivers this kind of return for inbound tourism to Australia.
"If the industry can increase the business by just two per cent, this would deliver an additional 46,000 international visitors and $98 million in foreign exchange earnings.
"Securing the support of international companies will ensure Australia continues to be sold around the world to potential travellers and assist the sector recover.
ATE is the premier event on the Australian tourism industry's calendar, costing $8.3 million to stage and is the biggest tourism trade event in the Southern Hemisphere. Over nine days nearly 700 international buyers from 48 countries will take part in 100,000 meetings with 1,800 representatives from 630 Australian tourism businesses.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Merri Rose said for Brisbane and Queensland the short-term benefits alone were huge.
"ATE delegates will be spending 13,000 visitor nights and injecting close to $10 million into the state over the next nine days," she said.
"Long term, this event strengthens Queensland's position as Australia's number one holiday destination with these very influential buyers able to experience Queensland first-hand.
"This year more than half of the international buyers will be spending extra time in Queensland on pre and post ATE
familiarisations.
"ATE was held in Queensland for the first time last year and it was widely billed 'the best ever'. Queensland won't see this event again for up to six years so it is very important that we go all out to show the best of
Queensland.
"Everyone from the hotels and restaurants to the cab drivers are primed to show our international visitors a warm Queensland welcome.
"And I'm also pleased to say that Queensland continues to be the number one state represented at ATE representing around 35 per cent of all businesses at the event. "
Mr Boundy said that despite the recent turmoil in the global tourism industry, attendance at ATE this year remained steady.
"International interest in the event remains strong, despite upheavals in the globe's tourism industry, highlighting the ongoing popularity of Australia as a holiday destination" he said.
"However, the marketplace is tough, with all our competitor destinations holding similar events in attempt to increase their share of travel business.
ATE facts
What: The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) is Australia's premier trade event and the third largest tourism trade event in the Southern Hemisphere.
It is organised by the Australian Tourist Commission and is hosted for the second consecutive year by Tourism
Queensland.
When: Eastern Module (Japan and Asia), 26 May - 28 May
Western Module (Europe, North America, New Zealand), 29 May 3 June
Who: 660 international delegates from 48 countries
1,890 Australian delegates from 630 companies
Where: Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre, Queensland. |
