The 43rd Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) trade show has returned to its traditional format for the first time since pre-pandemic 2019.
About 2,300 delegates are expected to take part in the four-day event at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Queensland.
ATE runs until May 4 with delegates including 650 international buyers and 80 international media who are also participating in pre and post event familiarisation tours.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison described the first full ATE in years an important milestone for the Australian tourism industry as it continues to rebuild from the impact of Covid-19.
She said: “International travellers are returning to our shores but the competition for the global tourism dollar is now greater than ever before which is why business-to-business events, such as ATE, are so important.
“ATE brings together tourism businesses, tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world for four days of appointments as well as networking events, while our international buyers get the chance to experience our world class tourism offerings first hand.
“The delegates visit from more than 30 countries and we know once they have seen what Australia has to offer for themselves they will be well placed to tell travellers why Australia is the best place in the world for their next holiday.”
Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Patricia O’Callaghan added: “The industry has continued to invest whilst borders were closed and as a result we have opened to the world with billions of dollars of new infrastructure, products and experiences that have been completed or under construction across the state.
“Rebuilding Queensland’s A$6 billion international market is critical to the future of tourism for this country.”