Western Australia's South-West gets ready for the Australian Tourism Exchange

9/6/05
Western Australia's South-West is abuzz with excitement, with just under two weeks to go until Western Australia hosts the Australian Tourism Exchange for the first time.
Tourism Minister Mark McGowan said the Australian Tourism Exchange, due to be held in Perth from June 18 - 24, would showcase WA and the South-West to the world.
"ATE is the third largest event of its type in the world, and is not scheduled to be held in WA again for seven years," Mr McGowan said.
"ATE will see about 2,500 delegates, including 600 from overseas, descend on the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, boosting the State's economy by $10million. It will also position WA as a leading holiday destination.
"Tourism is a major economic driver for WA and provides many jobs and opportunities, especially for people living in the regions."
ATE provides an ideal forum for South-West tourism businesses to meet and negotiate deals with international wholesalers.
"A representative from WA's South-West regional tourism organisation will be located on the 'Western Australia' stand to promote the region's icons, including the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, the wineries in Margaret River and the Busselton Jetty," the Minister said.
"This will ensure the State's South-West is promoted at a personal level to some of the world's top tourism buyers."
ATE will also provide delegates with the opportunity to experience WA's South-West first-hand through an extensive pre and post-familiarisation program.
"WA's South-West will benefit from the familiarisation program, with many buyers travelling around the region both before and after ATE," Mr McGowan said.
Itineraries planned for the South-West cover experiences such as forests and fauna, gourmet adventure, Great Southern delights and tastes of the south.
Registrations for these visits have come from United States, France, Japan, Philippines, China, Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Argentina, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Bahrain and Germany.
"I have no doubt that these delegates will be left with a lasting impression of WA's South-West and will continue to act as advocates for the region long after they have returned home," Mr McGowan said.
Minister's office: 9222 9111