Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2021 witnesses highest-ever participation from Indian travel agents
The 41st edition of Australia’s largest tourism tradeshow, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in its first ever hybrid version will be held in this month with ATE Live in Sydney from 6 to 9 June, followed by ATE Online from 10 to 17 June.
The annual event, which is delivered by Tourism Australia, will bring together in-person and virtual components to ensure the tourism industry can meet, exchange knowledge, and establish important business connections.
The in-person component of the tradeshow, ATE Live, will enable international buyers based in Australia or New Zealand, as well as domestic buyers and frontline travel sellers, to meet with Australian tourism operators while the virtual version of the event, ATE Online, will be for all other international buyers who are unable to travel to Australia. Over 430 Australian and New Zealand based buyers and 580 Australian sellers will participate at ATE Live, in a program that includes new components such as an aviation program, content program and a completely different trade show format. Then, 600 Australian sellers and 725 internationally based buyers will meet virtually for appointments and on demand content sessions. Over 57,000 appointments will take place across ATE21.
The Indian travel trade partners have responded enthusiastically with the highest ever registrations to the event, participants include companies like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Thomas Cook, Travel Tours, Pickyourtrail amongst others. India has been the fastest growing tourism market for Australia, pre-Covid. The Consumer Demand Project research reveals that Australia continues to maintain a strong position in early 2021 ranking number 1 for Consideration and Intention to travel in comparison to key competitors. Australia also remains most associated with all of the factors that are important to Indian High Value Travellers including nature & wildlife, safety, aquatic and coastal and luxury accommodation. To keep Australia top of mind during the period of travel restrictions, Tourism Australia has undertaken several trade and consumer driven initiatives highlighting Australia’s unique experiences, destinations, indigenous culture and sustainable tourism products.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said that participation in ATE is more important than ever to support the industry’s recovery.
“After what has been such a challenging period for tourism, we’re thrilled to be able to bring so many of our friends and colleagues from across the industry together for this year’s ATE event,” Ms Harrison said.
“The tradeshow will provide an opportunity for operators to network and do business with wholesalers and agents from around the world, ensuring valuable links between Australian operators and the global distribution network continue especially while travel to Australia is on hold.”
ATE21 will involve a number of changes, including a revised layout with traditional seller booths being replaced by networking areas defined by each of the States and Territories, and appointments taking place throughout the trade show floor instead of seller booths. Priority will also be given to past attendees and sellers in bushfire affected areas.
More information about the event is available at Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE21).
