NEW SOUTH WALES FAREWELLS ATE 2013

Destination NSW promised that the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2013 would bigger and bolder than ever before and attendees were certainly not disappointed. Held in host city Sydney, from Friday 26 April to Tuesday 30 April, ATE attracted more than 2,280 delegates including travel buyers, Australian sellers and international travel media, and more than 725 international buyers from 47 countries.

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase said, “The Destination NSW Team wanted to make a statement to all travel buyers and vendors that NSW is back bigger and better than ever.”

“This is the second time in two years that Destination NSW has hosted the ATE, and our local sellers have again profiled their world-class products to a global audience. While a significant amount of business is done at ATE, delegates have also experienced the best that Sydney and NSW has in store for visitors to our State including our sensational food and wine.”

Over the five days of appointments, Destination NSW hosted an extensive program of activity with highlights including: The official Sydney Gala Function. Staged in a purpose-built harbourside marquee beside the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, guests walked the red carpet and were welcomed by a rousing rendition by cheerleaders of ‘Hey Sydney’ with high-energy performers popping-up throughout the 2500 strong crowd. Musicians Sneaky Sound System had the crowd on their feet and dancing during their 45 minute set, while delectable delights of New South Wales food and wine were served to guests throughout the night. The evening culminated in a dazzling fireworks display which lit up the city skyline, a truly magical Sydney finale to a brilliant event.

• The NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, were special guests at Destination NSW’s hosted ATE luncheon. During the Vivid Sydney themed luncheon, the Premier spoke on the NSW Government's commitment to tourism and major events and stressed the importance of working closely with industry to achieve the Government’s target of doubling tourism by 2020. The Premier highlighted Destination NSW’s recent $30 million record-breaking Qantas partnership announcement, Destination NSW’s successful major events strategy and the new Regional Visitor Economy Fund iniatitve during his speech. Prior to the Destination NSW lunch, the Premier and Minister Souris took a guided tour through ATE with Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, beginning with Destination NSW’s stand and meeting New South Wales operators in attendance at ATE
• Delegates were treated to great food and wine from across the State at a series of hosted breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas and happy hours, hosted at the Destination NSW stand. The NSW Urban Garden with guest DJ Didier Cohen was a popular event which reflected Sydney’s thriving pop-up bar scene.
• Delegates also participated in an extensive familiarisation program which saw media and trade travel to destinations across the State including Lord Howe Island, Outback, North Coast, Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains.

To view the photo gallery from ATE 2013, please visit the Destination NSW Facebook page.