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Gold Coast prepares to host its first ATE

Industry professionals will be getting some sun between travel updates, as the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) heads to the Gold Coast in 2016 for the first time.

Industry professionals will be getting some sun between travel updates, as the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) heads to the Gold Coast in 2016 for the first time.

The announcement was made this week by Tourism Australia’s Managing Director John O’Sullivan, and will be the second time Queensland hosts the industry trade show in three years, following ATE14, which was held in Cairns.

Mr O’Sullivan said it was great to see Australia’s premier trade event returning to one of Australia’s key regional tourism destinations and injecting some $10 million into the local economy.

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Attendees next year will be able to experience the Gold Coast’s recent infrastructure upgrades, which were introduced in time for the destination to host the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

“With its iconic beaches, stunning hinterland and fun theme parks, the Gold Coast will provide a spectacular setting for Australia’s tourism industry to showcase their products directly to tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world.”

John O’Sullivan, Tourism Australia MD

Further details, including dates of ATE16 will be released over the coming months.

In the meantime, Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Kate Jones, said the metropolitan region is ready to host the event.

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She said the event will connect Queensland’s tourism business to some 600 international buyers from over 30 countries.

“Delegates will also have the opportunity to explore other Queensland destinations spreading the benefits of the Australian Tourism Exchange around the state.”

CEO of Gold Coast Tourism, Martin Winter said, ATE unquestionably represents the single largest opportunity in 2016 for the city and our tourism industry to showcase itself to key influencers of the global travel industry.

This year, Melbourne will receive the financial benefits, as Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre plays host to ATE2015 between 21 and 25 June.

The event sees a 20 percent increase in international Buyers compared to last year as well as the highest number of new Sellers in over ten years, including around 100 new Australian tourism products who are participating at ATE for the first time ever.

Do you think the Gold Coast is a great place for ATE?