ATEC Meeting Place set for Cairns return

Australia’s export tourism industry will comme together in Cairns later this month to celebrate and reconnect during the Australian Tourism Export Council's ATEC Meeting Place 2022.

Being held for the first time since 2019, more than 420 delegates have registered to take part in over 4,500 business meetings and a comprehensive conference program designed to reinvigorate and inspire tourism of the future.

With over 30 speakers covering the most contemporary issues affecting the export tourism industry, the conference keynote address by Simon Kuestenmacher, Director and co-founder of The Demographics Group, will use data driven insights to take a look at what recovery means in the post pandemic world.

Other sessions include Mainstreaming Sustainability, Accessible and inclusive tourism, Come say G’day to TA, Attracting future industry leaders and Distribution - changes and Challenges.

Along with the conference program, the event will feature all of the regular program highlights including the destination showcase welcome function hosted by Tourism Events Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland, the ‘Tropicool’ Gala Finale and the ATEC Excellence Awards.

Looking forward to the event, ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley stated “Meeting Place is our flagship event and always provides an amazing platform for the destination to showcase all it has to offer.

“Cairns is one of our most sought-after destinations for international guests as not only the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef but for the integrated indigenous experiences, tropical climate, the beautiful landscape and the amazing local fauna as well as the highlights of Cairns city itself.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive, Mark Olsen said hosting ATEC Meeting Place 2022 would be a great opportunity to showcase the destination to inbound tour operators, adding “we have more than 30 new experiences in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef including city walks, reef tours, Indigenous operators and rainforest experiences.

“The inbound tour operators will be wowed by the transformation of Cairns with the stunning Esplanade dining precinct, new city hotels and vibrant bar and food scene.

“Having them experience the region first hand will be integral to rebuilding our key international markets and reclaiming our $1 billion a year export industry.”

ATEC Meeting Place 2022 runs from 21st to 24th November at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Click here for more information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images: The Cairns Convention Centre (top) and ATEC's Peter Shelley (below).