Top marks for ATE16 on Gold Coast

10 August 2016

A near perfect 99 per cent of international buyers and Australian sellers expressed their satisfaction with the 2016 Australian Tourism Exchange held on Queensland’s Gold Coast in May.

Of those who responded to the post-event survey 89 per cent of buyers said they expected to sell more Australian tourism product as a result of the four days of focused business appointments and networking events.

Federal Tourism Minister and local MP Steven Ciobo said hosting ATE16 was a major coup for the city.

“ATE16 delivered great global exposure for the Gold Coast, especially ahead of the Commonwealth Games. The outcomes demonstrate the success of ATE16 on the Gold Coast and the extra days spent in our region by buyers and sellers added value to our tourism economy,” Mr Ciobo said.

Significantly, 96 per cent of buyers and 97 per cent of sellers also indicated their strong intention to attend future ATE events.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O’Sullivan said, “Inside and outside of the exhibition centre, the Gold Coast really laid out the welcome mat and it’s no surprise to me that perceptions of the city amongst delegates improved significantly during the week,” he said.

Mr O’Sullivan paid tribute to event partners Tourism and Events Queensland, and Gold Coast Tourism and key airline partners Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Leanne Coddington said the results reinforced Queensland’s reputation as a destination of choice.

“The Gold Coast delivered an amazing experience for delegates, combining a world-class event with the destination’s exceptional hospitality, food, entertainment and lifestyle,” Ms Coddington said.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s event on the Gold Coast which has set such an exceptional standard. I congratulate the local tourism industry and the Gold Coast for a wonderful ATE16.

“This outcome could only be achieved through the commitment of all of the partners and industry in delivering such a successful event.”

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said the event’s recent success not only reinforced the City’s existing positive appeal but provided a solid base to further promote the Gold Coast to markets less familiar with the destination.

“It was a once-in-a-generation opportunity—that due to its success—continues to pay significant dividends for the Gold Coast,” said Mr Winter.

The Australian Tourism Exchange is the largest annual travel and tourism business-to-business event in the southern hemisphere. It provides a forum for Australian tourism businesses to showcase their products and establish business links with the people and organisations that take tourism to the international marketplace.

Organised by Tourism Australia in conjunction with Tourism and Events Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism, and airline partners Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways, ATE16 brought together 1500 Australian delegates from 532 Australian tourism businesses to meet with 700 key buyer delegates from 30 countries to meet in up to 50,000 business appointments over five days.

ATE17 will be held in Sydney.