Melbourne to host Australian Tourism Exchange in 2020

Melbourne will play host to the 41st edition of Australia’s largest annual tourism trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), in 2020.

More than 2,000 delegates will be expected to descend on the Victorian capital next year for the tourism event, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10th to 14th May 2020.

Representing the ninth time that ATE has been staged in Melbourne, having last been held there in 2015, ATE 2020 will be delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with Visit Victoria.

Announcing the hosting, Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan stated “I am very pleased that ATE will be making a return to Melbourne in 2020.

“The event will see tourism buyers from more than 30 countries descending on the city for four days of face-to-face meetings with key Australian tourism operators, networking opportunities and educational famils.

“The economic benefits of ATE are significant and wide reaching. Not only can Melbourne expect an immediate economic injection of close to $10 million during the event, but the business-to-business relationships established will ensure valuable links between Australian operators and the global distribution network which will help us to realise our Beyond 2020 goals.”

Advising that ATE will provide an opportunity for the city to showcase its exceptional tourism offerings to delegates from around the world, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula added “it’s great to see the Australian Tourism Exchange returning to Melbourne in 2020, giving Victoria another opportunity to take centre stage and host thousands of tourism and industry leaders from across the globe.

“Victoria recently achieved a record-breaking year for international tourism in 2018, with 3 million visitors spending an unprecedented $8.5 billion. National major events like the Australian Tourism Exchange will ensure we remain front and centre of the industry, and that it continues to grow, providing Victorians with secure jobs in the tourism sector.”