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Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment: Aussie product showcased at Australian Tourism Exchange

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Today, we were pleased to open Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Adelaide, Australia's largest travel and tourism business-to-business event.

This year's ATE is hosted by Tourism Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) as their partner for 2018, attracting over 2,200 delegates from across the country and more than 30 international tourism markets.

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP was delighted to attend Australia's most significant tourism event.

"This year's ATE has brought over 650 international tourism buyers to Australia to meet with 540 Australian tourism products and experiences, helping to promote tourism as a pillar of the nation's economy," the Minister said.

"Tourism employs almost 600,000 people and represents 10 per cent of Australia's exports. This event provides an invaluable platform to build relationships and connects Australia's tourism industry with the global distribution network," he said.

"As the host city, Adelaide will see a significant economic benefit of approximately $9 million and the event will help grow Australia's $100 billion tourism industry through the relationships and future business established at ATE," he said.

"In 2017, international visitor spend grew 6 per cent to $41.3 billion, and arrivals grew 7 per cent to 8.8 million, and this event can grow these figures further."

SA Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway said that the event was a perfect opportunity for South Australia to yet again showcase its world class tourism offerings on the international stage.

"South Australia has some of the most beautiful regions in the country which produce the spectacular food and wine that we are renowned for worldwide," said Minister Ridgway.

"The State Liberal Government has a strong plan to grow our tourism sector and create more jobs, which includes increasing the existing Events Bid Fund to attract more events, conventions and visitors to our state.

"By hosting Australia's largest tourism business-to-business event here in South Australia we have a unique opportunity to connect local businesses with tourism opportunities that have a lasting benefit for our state.

"A full media programme took place in the lead up to today, involving South Australian icons including Penfolds and the newly opened d'arenberg cube and really showcased some of South Australia's best tourism offerings."

Now in its 20th year, ATE runs until 19 April at the Adelaide Convention Centre, in partnership with Virgin Australia.

Additionally, over 80 international and Australian media are attending the ATE media program. Delegates will also have the opportunity to experience more of South Australia through the ATE familiarisation program hosted by the SATC.

The Turnbull Coalition Government recognises tourism as a major pillar of Australia's economy, that's why Tourism Australia has received record funding under the Coalition Government.

This press release was sourced from Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment on 16-Apr-2018.