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19 June 2009

Australia ’s biggest showcase of tourism experiences from around the country wraps up in Melbourne today, with more than 100,000 business appointments between Australia tourism suppliers and travel wholesalers (buyers) from around the world taking place during the week-long event.

This year the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2009 has welcomed 1,700 Australian delegates from 630 companies in meetings with around 600 overseas buyers from 40 countries, to assist further grow of Australia’s $25 billion inbound tourism industry.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, Geoff Buckley said this year’s event had been a resounding success and had proved to be resilient against the backdrop of global economic factors.

“Despite the current economic climate for tourism globally, ATE has continued to attract strong support from our international tourism buyers who are responsible for selling Australian holidays to the rest of the world,” Mr Buckley said.

“This is a tremendous result and demonstrates the enormous commitment and high value placed on Australia as a tourist destination.

“During these challenging times it is vital that Australia ’s rich and diverse tourism experiences continue to maintain a high profile internationally so that we are top of mind when consumer confidence to travel improves.

“Through important events, such as ATE and our other trade and consumer activities around the world, we are able to demonstrate Australian tourism’s unequivocal commitment to the international market even through tough times.”

Mr Buckley said Melbourne and Victoria have also benefitted though the hosting of ATE this week.

“While ATE is about establishing long term business for Australian tourism, Melbourne would have received an immediate boost, with the event expected to contribute around $10 million to the local economy over the past week,” Mr Buckley said.

“More importantly, our international visitors have had the chance to experience the vibrant, cosmopolitan culture of the city and surrounds during ATE.

“This firsthand experience of the city and the State will assist in creating tourism opportunities for Victoria in years to come.

Mr Buckley thanked Tourism Victoria and Qantas for their support in staging ATE this year along with all the State and Territories represented as well as tourism businesses for their commitment to the event. He added that ATE would move to Adelaide next year for the first time since 2006.

ATE 2009 has been held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 13 June to 19 June.