Plans on track for Australian Tourism Exchange 2003

Preparations for this year's Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) are on  track, with strong attendance from international tourism operators, Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) Managing Director Ken Boundy said recently.

ATE is the largest tourism trade show in the Southern Hemisphere and will this year be held in Melbourne from 14 - 20 June 2003. The event provides a forum for Australian tourism businesses to showcase their products and meet with international wholesalers.

"ATE is one of the most important trade events for Australian tourism operators providing an opportunity to secure business with international wholesalers and retailers from over 48 countries," Mr Boundy said.

"The Australian tourism industry is currently operating in a challenging environment, with international arrivals down due to the impact of SARS and the Iraq conflict. As such, this year's event is critical to secure new business to Australia and to ensure a strong future for our sector.

"ATE has continued to attract strong interest this year with around 650 delegates from key overseas markets and 2000 Australian tourism representatives."

For the Western Hemisphere module, which includes Europe, the Americas, Africa, Middle East, New Zealand and the South Pacific, there are around 430 delegates from 300 companies, an increase of 15 per cent on last year.

Delegate numbers for the Eastern Hemisphere module, which includes Japan, South East Asia and North Asia are on par with last year with 270 delegates from 218 companies attending.

Around 950 Australian companies ranging from tourism attractions, hotels, tour operators, transport providers and state and regional tourism organisations will attend ATE 2003.

Mr Boundy said the number for new international delegates was also strong this year with 39 new Eastern buyers and 28 Western buyers and cancellations had been minimal.

"The positive response from buyers and sellers to ATE this year highlights the potential business opportunities Australia offers tourism operators, in both the short and long term," he said.

"The ATC has been doing everything possible to ensure this year's event provides good business opportunities for Australian operators and to show our international buyers that Australia remains open for business.

"Our overseas offices have contacted all buyers to reconfirm their commitment to this year's event. In addition, the Federal Tourism Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Joe Hockey, has written to international delegates, to highlight the importance of ATE and the need to continue to build strong relations in this current environment."

ATE is organised by the Australian Tourist Commission, in conjunction with Tourism Victoria, the tourism industry in Melbourne and with airline sponsor Qantas. The event will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.