National tourism conference shows 'best is yet to come'

The spirit, energy and willingness to 'have a go' displayed by Australian tourism operators attending a major national tourism conference this week will place them at the forefront of the forecasted global recovery, according to conference organisers.

Over the last week Hobart has been the venue for the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)'s Symposium 2010 conference, which drew nearly 500 of the biggest names and most-important decision-makers in the Australian inbound tourism industry from across the country for four days of educational seminars, networking and business-to-business workshops.

It also enjoyed a surprise visit from Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who told delegates that the tourism industry was a central part of the Australian economy and that both his government and the country as a whole thanked them for their persistence and never-say-die attitude during the recent Global Financial Crisis.

ATEC Managing Director Matt Hingerty said this year's Symposium, themed 'Becoming more dynamic', had been a tremendous success for the industry as a whole, and bode well for the prospects of both tourism operators and the city of Hobart in years ahead.

Hingerty explained "Hobart has put on a wonderful show for the inbound tourism industry.

"It has already established itself as one of the pre-eminent food and wine capitals of the country, but this week we have seen it is making a serious push to become one of our cultural capitals as well.

"Symposium delegates have seen the great strides the region has made in its efforts to become a genuine international destination, and will leave extremely impressed with what Hobart has to offer their customers.

"Tourism is always one of the first industries to bounce back after an economic downturn, and is always looking for new experiences to offer overseas travellers. Hobart's new emphasis on inbound tourism will mean more jobs and more investment for the local economy.�?

A highlight of the closing Symposium Gala Dinner was the announcement that ATEC will be holding its 2011 Symposium conference on Hamilton Island, in Queensland's Whitsundays region.

Hingerty said the decision to hold the conference on Hamilton Island already had the industry "buzzing", with the decision proving very popular with ATEC members.

Conference delegates spent up to a week in Hobart and its surrounds, attending a two-day national conference, a day of business-to-business workshops and also a backpacker conference. They also experienced many of the attractions available in the region, including harbour cruises, fishing charters, day-trips to local natural wonders, as well as local restaurants and clubs.

Hingerty concluded "ATEC would like to thank key sponsors Qantas and Tourism Tasmania for their support. Their foresight is a large part of Symposium's continued success."

For more information go to www.atec.net.au

Image: Hobert waterfront.

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