South Australia to host ATEC export tourism marketplace

More than 550 of Australia’s export tourism industry leaders are heading to Adelaide for the annual Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Meeting Place being held from 30th October to 1st November.

As one of the industry’s largest annual business-to-business (B2B) meetings, the event not only forms a critical part of the export tourism industry’s planning calendar, it provides a showcase for the destination’s latest product offerings.

ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley shared “we are pleased to be bringing Meeting Place to South Australia as a vital platform for connection between the people who sell Australia to the world and the amazing product we offer.

“Along with a full day of B2B meetings, Meeting Place kicks off with a welcome function hosted by the South Australian Tourism Commission along with a conference day of speakers and discussions on the issues most important to the industry today.”

South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison welcomed visitors to South Australia adding “there has been incredible momentum for tourism in South Australia over the past 18 months, and we are proud to host Meeting Place, and showcase exactly what we have on offer.

“South Australia has seen a remarkable recovery of our state’s visitor economy from $6.1 billion in June last year to a record breaking $9.9 billion in June this year, well on our way to our 2030 target of $12.8 billion.

“We’re also seeing a strong rebound in inbound visitation, with the international expenditure increasing by 24 per cent in the last quarter alone, now worth $1 billion, just shy of its pre pandemic $1.2 billion.

“There is a real confidence in South Australia – on the back of more major events, additional airline access and investment in accommodation – so it is perfect time to come and see what people are talking about.”

Meeting Place conference day will be opened by the Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator Don Farrell and will feature insights from Magpie Travel founder Christian Watts who will discuss the latest round of generative AI and its impact the tourism industry. An afternoon of breakout sessions will be held across four tourism products set in the Adelaide Hills before a Gala Dinner and awards presentation at the innovative Lot.100.

Meeting Place will take place from 30th October to 1st November.  For full program details click here.