ATEC to deliver its annual Meeting Place program as a hybrid event in 2020

November 18, 2020

Events / Technology / Tourism /

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) will this year deliver its five day Meeting Place program (23rd to 27th November), to more than 600 tourism operators and buyers from across Australia, through a mix of virtual and in person events, providing a virtual Business 2 Business (B2B) program and a virtual conferencing program, along with state-based face-to-face networking events where they are able to be accommodated.

Meeting Place has a long and strong history of providing Australian tourism operators with a valuable platform for selling their products in international markets and this tradition continues despite the setbacks of 2020.

ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley notes “it’s been a very different year to the one we expected and this will be a very different Meeting Place as a result, but we are pleased to see the extraordinary enthusiasm from both supplier tourism operators and buyer businesses who were at the front of the line to register.

“Despite the uncertainty around when we might resume international travel, the tourism industry remains fully engaged in the opportunities inbound visitors offer and are looking to build connections ready for the opening of our international borders.

“After what has been the most challenging year for travel yet, the industry response to Meeting Place shows tourism businesses remain optimistic about the future of travel and the value of our international markets going forward.”

Minister for Tourism, Simon Birmingham will launch the Meeting Place program which will feature over 4,500 virtual member B2B meetings along with a comprehensive virtual conferencing program and state based face-to-face networking events in NSW, South Australia, ACT, North Qld, South Qld and West Australia.

Industry leading conference panels include:

• The Path to Recovery (featuring CEOs from Tourist Australia and State Tourism organisations)

• The Aviation Runway Back to Market

• Travel Distribution 2021 and Beyond

• Global Markets Update

• Plus a focus on ATEC Safe Travels project – building back international travel using world leading biometrics technology

Shelley adds “this year has seen tourism businesses quickly adapt and fortify themselves against an extraordinary downturn but there is clearly a strong belief that the future of our industry is inextricably linked to international visitation.

“ATEC has worked hard this year to adapt to the needs of our industry through this difficult period and have delivered programs including 31 weeks of our Road to Recovery online engagement program, COVID Ready plans for tourism businesses, the allocation and adoption of the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, a Domestic Ready training program plus our very popular Tourism Trade Checklist.

“All of the programs ATEC has delivered this year have been aimed at supporting the industry to build their capacity and improve their prospects post COVID and our Virtual Meeting Place is another example of our commitment.

“We look forward to returning to a full face-to-face event in 2021 when ATEC will celebrate 50 years of supporting Australia’s inbound tourism industry to grow and prosper and embrace a future of success.

“Thank you to all our partners who have come together to help deliver this virtual event including Tourism Australia, all STO’s and many RTO’s from across the country.”

While the member-only B2B events are sold out, tickets still remain for the conference and networking events. Register here

Image: South Australia Barossa Valley Ballooning

10th November 2020 - ATEC highlights that tourism exporters need JobKeeper support until international borders reopen

19th October 2020 - ATEC expands its program supporting Australian tourism exporters to attract domestic visitors

7th October 2020 - ATEC welcomes Federal Budget support for tourism industry

27th September 2020 - ATEC concerned over lack of government funding to support inbound tour operators

21st September 2020 - ATEC aligns with WTTC Safe Travel protocols

23rd June 2020 - ATEC warns domestic travel not a simple fix for Australia’s tourism industry

13th May 2020 - ATEC highlights the harsh reality of a tourism industry in crisis

30th April 2020 - ATEC part of new Tourism Restart Taskforce to strengthen industry COVID-19 response

22nd April 2020 - ATEC considers diverse and competitive airlines to be critical to Australian tourism

6th March 2020 - ATEC highlights the ongoing threat of Coronavirus to export tourism industry

17th January 2020 - ATEC emphasises the need for positive messages to international tourists

28th November 2019 - ATEC recognises outstanding industry achievements for 2019

10th May 2018 - ATEC welcomes budget boost for regional tourism

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