NSW SHINES AT AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE 2024

Australian Tourism Exchange 2024 (ATE24)

Destination NSW and more than 130 NSW destinations, products and experiences are promoted the state to the world at Australian Tourism Exchange 2024 (ATE24).

Australia’s biggest annual travel industry event took place at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19-23 May 2024. Around 2600 delegates participated in this year’s program, with buyers attending from more than 37 countries, alongside 70 international and Australian media.

The four-day trade program was an opportunity for global distributors including wholesalers and online travel agents to connect with visitor economy businesses from around the country. Delivered by Tourism Australia, ATE24 combines more than 50,000 scheduled business appointments with networking events.

There were 131 NSW destinations, products and experience businesses participating in ATE24, including 67 from regional NSW. Destination NSW helped these businesses prepare for the event via its capability-building NSW First Program. It also supported five new businesses to attend ATE24 through its New Product Pathway program, which aims to provide them with an opportunity to display their products, make overseas contacts and negotiate deals.

Additionally, as part of its Aboriginal Tourism Activation Program under Closing the Gap, Destination NSW is supporting seven NSW Aboriginal visitor economy businesses to attend ATE24.

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “From the coast to the country, the visitor economy is the lifeblood of NSW communities and ATE plays a key role in driving visitation and expenditure to Sydney and regional NSW.

“The event is a critical networking and relationship-building event for Destination NSW and an opportunity to showcase the world-class products and diversity of experiences our state has to offer to hundreds of local and international buyers.

“It is exciting to be joining with key stakeholders to champion our state’s cultural vibrancy, natural wonders and engaging visitor experiences at ATE24.”

Destination NSW also hosted a post-ATE24 program of 13 familiarisation visits for 88 Australian and international buyers, which showcased NSW destinations and experiences including Vivid Sydney.