AusLeisure

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) held its 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 3^rd December 2024 which saw the ratification of ATEC’s National Board and presented an opportunity to reflect on a successful year of industry support and strategic achievements. 

Birgit Bourne from Insight Australia and Kathy Turner from Goway Inbound were re-elected unopposed to Buyer positions while Richard Doyle of SeaLink Marine & Tourism re-elected to the Supplier position.

Managing Director Peter Shelley addressed members, highlighting ATEC's achievements in 2024 as the organisation continued to support the tourism export through initiatives including: 

• Facilitated 17,000 B2B meetings nationwide, involving over 1,200 delegates.
• More than 4000 enrolments in ATEC’s Tourism Training Hub. 
• Delivered 13 export industry-specific capacity-building education programs.
• Achieved significant membership growth, with strong renewals and new acquisitions.
• Reported 95% member satisfaction, with 98% affirming membership value for money.
• Secured the re-establishment of the Approved Destination Status (ADS) program for the China market
• Negotiated the extension of the Reviving International Tourism Grant (RITG) program giving members longer to spend their grant money.

Shelley noted "ATEC’s achievements this year have worked to support Australia’s export tourism sector as it rebuilds through the delivery of critical industry training to expanding market-specific programs.

"We also continue to successfully connect our members through our extensive business to business events and we remain committed to empowering our members and ensuring the sector’s growth in 2025 and beyond.”

The AGM was the last for Board Chair Denis Pierce, who presided over his final AGM in the role. Pierce has been a cornerstone of ATEC’s leadership, contributing decades of expertise to the tourism industry, including serving as Managing Director of ATS Pacific and holding positions on various tourism boards and companies. Recognised with the Captain Trevor Haworth Award for Outstanding Contribution to the tourism export industry in 2000, Pierce expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey.

"It’s been an incredible privilege to work alongside ATEC’s members and the dedicated board. While stepping down as Chair, I look forward to continuing work in, and supporting the industry and seeing it thrive in the years ahead." 

Plans to appoint a new Chair will be announced in early 2025. 

More information on ATEC Board 

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