ATEC celebrates 50 years of export and excellence in Australia’s tourism industry  

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) last Wednesday celebrated 50 years of industry leadership following an impressive tourism showcase in Cairns at Meeting Place 2022.

 Over three days more than 450 ATEC members came together for the first time since 2019 for one of the export industry’s major trade events, taking part in more than 4500 face to face meetings, destination showcase events and conferencing to reconnect after a turbulent few years. 

As the first full scale face to face meeting of ATEC members since COVID shut international borders, #atecmp22 recognised excellence in the tourism industry though the Awards of Excellence with the Captain Trevor Haworth Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Export Industry awarded to Executive Chairman of The Walshe Group, Jacqui Walshe.

ATEC Chair Denis Pierce shared “Jacqui has been an amazing contributor not only to ATEC but to the tourism industry. Her business acumen and accounting skills have successfully guided our organisation through what have been our most challenging times in our 50 year history.

“As a leading woman in the tourism industry, Jacqui is a mentor, a huge tourism advocate and an inspiration to everyone across the board displaying quality leadership and integrity.”

Other awards included:  

• Len Taylor Young ATEC award for Leadership awarded to Alyssa Sanders, Ecotourism Australia 

• Outstanding Contribution to ATEC/ATEC Branch awarded to John Hamilton of The Tasmanian Nature Company

• Branch of the Year for the third time in a row Western Australia has ben named ATEC Branch of the Year

This year also sees ATEC commemorating its 50th anniversary, an important milestone for the organisation and industry.

Pierce added “ATEC has been a rallying point for our industry for half a century and it continued to be a lighthouse for members during the covid lockdowns.

“As an organisation born of the industry, delivering a voice for our members, we should all be very proud of the work ATEC has done and continues to do in supporting our industry to grow and thrive.

“As Chairman of this invaluable organisation, I congratulate this year’s award winners and all of our members who continue to help make this organisation and industry strong.”

Image: Denis Pierce, Jacquie Walshe, ATEC Board Member Richard Doyle, ATEC MD Peter Shelley