Perth welcomes global tourism industry

More than 2,000 delegates will descend on Perth over the next week to take part in one of the world's biggest travel trade shows, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2012.

Western Australian Tourism Minister Kim Hames said close to 700 travel buyers from 40 countries, including some of the most influential members of the travel industry, will be attending the event at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).

Minister Hames explained "ATE provides the perfect platform for Australian tourism businesses such as airlines, tour operators and accommodation providers to promote and sell their products to international travel buyers.

"The Western Australian Government is proud to support this prestigious event, through Tourism Western Australia, and has contributed more than $2.8 million towards the cost of bringing ATE to WA for the third time."

In addition to the expo at PCEC, the event will be supported by an extensive familiarisation program which will see about 390 delegates participate in 46 trips across the State.

Dr Hames added "the familiarisation program run by Tourism WA will give industry heavyweights the chance to experience our extraordinary State first hand and learn more about the products and experiences available in WA.

"When Perth last hosted ATE in 2008, the event injected about $10 million into the economy and generated more than 100 media stories about WA. This year's event is expected to provide a similar boost."

ATE 2012 runs from 15th to 21st June. The event is managed by Tourism Australia and is being hosted by Tourism WA with Qantas as the major airline partner.

For rmore information go to www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Australian_Tourism_Exchange_ATE_2012