South Australia Welcomes ATE

Adelaide Convention Centre

South Australia’s $6.6 billion visitor economy is set to receive yet another major boost, this week hosting the country’s largest annual travel conference.

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), is South Australia’s opportunity to impress tourism big-wigs from across the globe — attracting more than 2,000 delegates that will directly inject $10 million into the state.

Hosted at the new $400 million Adelaide Convention Centre, ATE will herald new opportunities for tourism across the state, with 700 buyers joining a contingent of more than 550 sellers and over 91 media from 20 countries.

Minister for Tourism, David Ridgway said the week of ATE is a rare and exciting opportunity to impress delegates so that they continue to encourage travel to South Australia.

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our small businesses - we must get our state brand out there so our economy and locals can continue to thrive,” Minister Ridgway said.

“We want more visitors to experience South Australia and we are committed to our 2020 target of $8 billion in tourism expenditure.

“The benefit of hosting ATE in Adelaide extends well beyond the $10mn economic impact. The long-term benefit will be the advocates we will win for our state, through these influential delegates who will experience some of the best of South Australia.”

“I thank Tourism Australia, the South Australian Tourism Commission and all the South Australian businesses for their support in the delivery of a successful ATE18,” Minister Ridgway said.

South Australian Tourism Commission, Chief Executive, Rodney Harrex said ATE is an exciting opportunity to place South Australia on the world stage and serve up its best experiences.

“South Australia is hosting 612 famil places with media and trade delegates from more than 20 countries visiting South Australian icons, including Penfolds and the newly opened d’arenberg cube,” Mr Harrex said.

“Buyers and media include our fastest growing international market, China - providing our hard-working businesses an opportunity to cash in on the lucrative market.

“There is no better way to sell South Australia than experiencing it, so it’s great to be breaking records with 49 passionate businesses representing SA at the conference and many more through media famils.

“Our operators will be out there doing what they do best, showing influential delegates how incredible our wineries, accommodation, wildlife, experiences, and state truly are” Mr Harrex said.

The Australian Tourism Exchange will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from April 15 – 19 2018.