The glitter strip is on show for the world to see as the southern hemisphere’s largest tourism trade event descends on the Gold Coast.
Around 2,500 delegates from over 30 countries will meet for the Australian Tourism Exchange, which will kick-off on Sunday.
The five-day event brings tourism businesses together to promote their products directly to wholesalers, retailers, and media from around the world.
It’s set to inject $9 million into the economy during the event, with flow-on effects in excess of $70 million.
The Gold Coast will attempt to showcase the very-best example of Australian culture and lifestyle with our natural landscapes, world-class experiences, and friendly people.
Destination Gold Coast Interim CEO Karen Bolinger says it’s a huge coup for the city to host such an event.
“The Gold Coast has transformed in recent years into one of the nation’s most vibrant destinations and ATE will be our time to really shine and strengthen connections with our global travel and trade partners who sell Australian holidays internationally, aviation network and media,” Ms Bolinger says.
“It’s a significant opportunity for Gold Coast’s visitor economy to harness with the world now open,
“Our role as host destination is to showcase our advancing city and its diverse offerings and we hope the anticipated positive ripple effect is felt by all our tourism partners.”
ATE is being held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre with scheduled business appointments as well as a series of networking events and activations at multiple venues across the Gold Coast.
It makes it’s return to the city after being first held here in 2016.
IMAGE: Supplied
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the long-term benefits of ATE will be felt for years to come.
“The positive impact of ATE will go well beyond the $9 million injection into the economy during the event,” Mayor Tate says.
“As we saw in 2016 when the Gold Coast first hosted ATE, the long-term benefits are substantial through the relationships and future business it establishes in bringing visitation back to the city,
“The investment that has taken place within the Gold Coast over the past three years has been extraordinary with new and reinvigorated hotels, attractions and experiences, so we have an exciting story to show and tell our international audience.”
ATE is delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with Tourism Events Queensland and supported by Destination Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast.
