World's travel trade arrive in Melbourne for ATE15

In the latest boost to Australia’s $31 billion inbound tourism sector, more than 700 leading international travel wholesalers and retailers are gathering in Melbourne this week for the 36th annual Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), helping to further promote Australia as a travel destination internationally.

Organised by Tourism Australia, with Tourism Victoria and airline partners Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways, ATE is Australia’s annual business-to-business tourism travel trade event, which brings together travel wholesalers and agents from 30 countries to meet and do business with 1,500 Australian tourism seller delegates from 500 companies.

Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan said events such as ATE were important for further growing Australia’s tourism industry, which continues to climb to record levels.

“Australia welcomed close to seven million international visitors last year, resulting in a record $31 billion being spent by international visitors in our hotels, restaurants, cafes, and attractions,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Events such as ATE really help to put the spotlight on the exciting and diverse range of Australian tourism product and strengthen our connection with the global travel agents who sell Australian holidays internationally."

“ATE also gives our international travel agents the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country to experience the destination first-hand and in turn share these experiences with their customers so we can attract more high yielding international visitors from across the globe,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“As the host city Melbourne can expect an immediate injection of $10 million into the local economy during the week of hosting ATE. Longer term the event’s impact is far more wide-reaching as it provides a platform to further grow the $31 billion that is generated annually by international visitors.”

The 2015 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) is being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 21 to 25 June 2015.

 sourced:traveldailynews.asia