WA gears up for massive tourism expo

8/6/05
Tourism Minister Mark McGowan today urged all Western Australians to provide a warm welcome to the 2,500 tourism delegates due to descend on Perth in less than a fortnight.
Meeting with catering staff at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre today, Mr McGowan said the Australian Tourism Exchange - due to be held in Perth from June 18-24 - would showcase WA to the world.
"This is the biggest event to be held at the PCEC since its opening over a year ago and the third largest event of its type in the world," he said.
"It is a major coup for WA and gives us a golden opportunity to build on our commitment to make WA the nation's premier tourism State.
"The Gallop Government spent $2million to attract the event to WA and we are expecting a healthy, long-term return on our investment.
"The event is expected to bring in $10million to WA, which will provide a significant boost to the local economy.
"It also provides magnificent exposure for the tourism industry, which will reap the long-term rewards.
"Tourism is a major economic driver for WA, creating jobs and opportunities, particularly in the regions."
Mr McGowan said WA's tourism industry, including hotel staff and taxi drivers, had been briefed on the event and how to best represent the State.
"The industry has pulled out all the stops for this event and deserves to be congratulated for their hard work," he said.
"For example, 27 hotels in and around Perth have provided 4,500 room nights free-of-charge - equalling about $1million - to the world's 600 top tourism buyers from more than 40 countries, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa and United Arab Emirates.
"Other hotels are fully booked with the 1,800 paying Australian operators, which will inject millions into the hotel industry."
The Minister said the 250 staff dedicated to the event at the PCEC would serve more than 10,000 meals over the course of the week.
Mr McGowan said WA's fresh produce was second to none and would be a highlight during the event.
"All the meals will be made from WA produce and be of the highest quality," he said.
Food to be served during ATE at the PCEC includes:

• about 1,000kg of freshly caught WA seafood, including Shark Bay crabs and emperor fillets, Manjimup marron and North-West barramundi;
• more than 2,500kg of local fruit and vegetables;
• 700kg of South-West lamb;
• 520kg of Mahogany Creek chicken;
• 10,000 dinner rolls;
• 150 bottles of South-West olive oil;
• 12,600 pieces of freshly-baked local morning and afternoon tea cakes and pastries; and
• 1,500 white couverture chocolate fondues, with 120kg of pineapple and 50kg of strawberries from Wanneroo.

Several other major Perth and Fremantle venues and catering companies also are preparing extensive WA menus for major evening functions catering for up to 2,500 people at a time.
Delegates are also expected to consume more than 8,500 bottles of premium Western Australian wine over the seven days.
Regional WA will also be on show, with 70 educational visits by more than 500 international visitors to all areas of the State from Kununurra to Esperance.
Tourism Western Australia has a dedicated ATE website: http://www.ate.westernaustralia.com which provides information about the event and the State to buyers and sellers.
The three major stakeholders of ATE 05 are Tourism Australia, the event owner; Tourism Western Australia, the host; and Qantas, the major sponsor.
Minister's office: 9222 9111