| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 05/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 4 |
| Copyright: Other |
ATE organisers to change show’s format
Sydney played host to this year’s Australian Tourism Exchange. Lisa James reports from the event
ORGANISERS of Australian Tourism Exchange will split the trade show into two next year following calls from delegates for a more focused event.For next year, the traditional four-and-a-half day global format will be split into two separate three-day events.
One module will be aimed at buyers from the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, the Americas, South Africa, New Zealand and the South Pacific, while the second will be for delegates from Asia, Japan, Korea and the Middle East.
Delegates had complained that the event, which now attracts 1,500 suppliers and 700 buyers was full to bursting point and did not always match the right buyers with the right product.
Australian Tourist Commission deputy managing director Bill Calderwood said: “We came up with the idea to hold two separate modules after considerable research and discussion with the trade.
“Representatives said they wanted us to find a way in which they could use their time better and reach the right buyers and sellers.
“We want to try to eliminate some of the waste and have a more focused and relevant event rather than having to try to cover the whole world in one time.”
“The change will also be of benefit to buyers as it will streamline their schedules and enable them to have more time for familiarisation tours to experience Australia’s destinations.”
Calderwood said the new format will also reduce demands on hotel space and will allow airline partners to stagger arrivals of delegates, reducing carriers’ burdens on yields. “By splitting the event into two, cities in Australia, which in the past have not been able to cater for ATE because they did not have the bed space, will be able to bid for it.”
Calderwood is asking the industry for feedback over the plan. He said that one option could be to expand the three-day event to a fourth day, if the trade wanted.
n Brisbane will be the venue for ATE in 2001 and 2002.
Sydney: welcomed 1,500 suppliers and 700 buyers to this year’s ATE