ATEC Conference to focus on tourism futures

The Annual Australian Tourism Export Council Backpacker & Youth Conference and Symposium will focus on the future direction and opportunities for the tourism industry.
Starting tomorrow (Tuesday) in Tropical North Queensland, 'Protecting Our Future' will be the focal point of the two conferences that will gather together more than 450 delegates from around the country to discuss key issues and hear from industry leaders.
The ATEC Backpacker & Youth Conference takes place at Airlie Beach on 17th May and will provide insights into managing crisis, distribution channels, selling Australia and reveal the results of the Tourism Australia/Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel benchmarking survey that gauges what backpackers really think of Australia.
In addition, Dr Jeff Jarvis from Monash University will talk about his research into the Working Holiday Maker and how crucial they are to the future of our backpacker tourism industry.
Over two days from 19th May, the annual ATEC Symposium will take place on Hamilton Island and will look at some of the challenges and opportunities provided by key growth markets including China, Korea and India; explore the potential for Australia in the areas of education, regional, luxury and cruise tourism; and provide a high-level overview from three key Working Groups within the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy.
Federal Tourism Minister, Martin Ferguson, will open the conference which will focus on preparing the industry to respond to the shocks, challenges and other adversities that have become the 'new normal' for the tourism industry.
ATEC Managing Director, Felicia Mariani said the annual Symposium continued to provide an important check-up on the tourism industry and insights into the challenges we face into the future.
Mariani stated "growing new markets, facilitating investment and development and strengthening our regional tourism industry are just some of the issues we must address as part of a successful tourism industry into the future.
"ATEC will also share with members its vision for the future and how we will work to address the challenges our industry will face with the launch of our industry Discussion Paper and our Strategic Framework."
Mariani said the tourism industry faced tough times ahead and membership organizations such as ATEC continued to provide a real place to protect the future of industries and offer support to businesses to meet the challenges ahead.

http://www.atec.net.au