Tourism Australia Seeks Expressions of Interest for ATE

Tourism Australia has confirmed that it is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from organisations to manage its premier travel trade show, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE).

The decision follows a recent review of Tourism Australia's existing distribution activities, including its trade events program, seeking potential efficiencies and better value for industry.

One recommendation of the review was that Tourism Australia consider the option of outsourcing the management of future ATE events.

To help evaluate whether such an option is desirable and viable, Tourism Australia is seeking expressions of interest from organisations to manage ATEs post-2014.

The process has commenced and is being administered through Austender. Depending on the outcome, Tourism Australia will then decide whether to proceed to full tender or not.

ATE will be hosted in Cairns for the first time in 2014, from 11 to 16 May.

Organised by Tourism Australia, the annual event brings together 600 overseas travel buyers from over 40 countries to meet with around 1,700 Australian delegates from 630 companies from every state and territory.