Brisbane's biggest ever tourism representation set to shine at ATE22

18 MAY 2022

Brisbane’s biggest-ever contingent of 18 tourism operators is heading to the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) Live event in Sydney this week to represent Team Brisbane.

Now in its 42nd year, ATE is the Australian tourism industry’s largest annual business-to-business event, hosting more than 550 international buyers from 20 countries and showcasing 550 Australian operators in 2022.

ATE22 will be a hybrid event, consisting of ATE Live with in-person appointments from 15 to 18 May, and ATE Online from 24 to 26 May for global buyers who are unable to travel to Australia.

With more tourism products than ever to share with international buyers and the national tourism industry, Team Brisbane comprises representatives across a broad spectrum of the tourism sector including accommodation providers, attractions, food, wine and beverage companies, inbound tour operators, special-interest operators, and transport companies.

Last year’s hybrid event facilitated more than 57,000 meetings between Australian tourism operators and international buyers, which include wholesalers, retail and online travel agencies, inbound tour operators, destination management companies and specialist buyers in luxury and experiential categories.

ATE22 will provide an unparalleled opportunity for local tourism operators to establish important and lucrative connections and promote Brisbane as a desirable travel destination on a global stage.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s Chief Executive Officer Anthony Ryan said Brisbane’s biggest representation at ATE reflects that the city has a lot to share and showcase.

“We are thrilled to see the biggest contingency of local tourism products travelling to ATE22 to showcase how Brisbane has evolved to become a global city with world-class tourism offerings, with a green and gold runway of opportunities to 2032,” he said.

“As Australia’s fastest-growing capital city, we’re seeing new and diverse tourism experiences exemplifying the best of Brisbane’s lifestyle, personality and natural beauty, including new luxury hotels, artisan food and wine tours, thriving music venues, award-winning First Nations experiences, urban adventure activities and island day cruises.

“Home to some of the world’s largest sand islands and ancient heritage rainforests, Brisbane is Australia’s nature capital - a modern, sustainable, open-air city with room to breathe, and is best embraced through the return of travel.”

Adventour, which delivers immersive adventure experiences River To Bay, Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Riverlife Adventure Centre, Tangatours, Adventure Moreton Island, Northshore Harbour Cafe, Walkabout Creek Adventures and P&O Edge, will be in attendance at ATE22.

Founder John Sharpe said Adventour is excited to showcase its new Brisbane adventure and recreation offerings together with BEDA at ATE22 in Sydney.

ur operators are keen to facilitate visitor experiences in our region, including our growing River City, the beautiful Moreton Bay and our stunning natural environments and Australian wildlife in Brisbane’s backyard,” Mr Sharpe said.

City Winery Brisbane Managing Director Adam Penberthy said their flagship venue, cellar door and restaurant is ready to welcome tourism back into the winery and the local hospitality industry.

“Over the last couple of years, City Winery has missed the international tourism market and attending ATE22 in Sydney is a sign that things are getting back to normal, and we can continue pouring our wines for the world,” Mr Penberthy said.

Beenleigh-based Spirits of the Red Sand, which won Gold for Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience at the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards and 2021 Australian Tourism Awards, is also looking forward to attending the intensive three-day event.

Director of Marketing & Business Management Kerryn Collins said: “ATE offers a platform for Spirits of the Red Sand to reconnect with our global partners, forge new connections and raise awareness of our brand, our experiences and our stories, including our recent Gold win at the Australian Tourism Awards – we wouldn’t miss it.”

The 18 tourism operators representing Brisbane are Adventour, Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Adventure Moreton Island, Araucaria Ecotours, Australian Sunset Safaris, City Winery Brisbane, Eco Safaris Queensland, Emporium Hotel South Bank, Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Mirimar Cruises, Queensland Rail Travel, River To Bay, Royal on the Park Hotel Brisbane, Sirromet Wines, Spirits of the Red Sand, Tangalooma Island Resort and Walk Brisbane.

With an innovation-led economy and proven track record in tourism experience development initiatives, Brisbane has much to offer the local, interstate and international tourism industry with a blockbuster major event calendar, a host of new luxury hotels, a $15 billion infrastructure pipeline, thriving shopping, dining and entertainment precincts, and a welcoming, year-round subtropical climate.

To learn more, contact Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s Trade and Distribution Manager Kylie Smith: [email protected]