Queensland’s $23 billion tourism sector will receive a major boost when the State hosts Australia’s largest tourism trade show, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), on the Gold Coast this week.

The Gold Coast will welcome more than 2300 delegates, including 800 international travel buyers from more than 30 countries, to Tourism Australia’s annual event, supported by Tourism and Events Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said hosting ATE provided outstanding opportunities for Queensland tourism businesses to promote the State’s world-class experiences first-hand to key travel buyers.

“Boosting Queensland’s reputation as a premier tourism destination is a key priority for the Palaszczuk Government because we know a growing tourism sector means jobs for Queenslanders,” Ms Jones said.

“This year the Gold Coast has attracted the largest seller registrations in eight years, reinforcing the appeal of hosting ATE in a regional destination.

“During the five day program around 1,500 Australian tourism operators, including 182 from Queensland, will connect with influential international travel buyers.

“Around 80 international media will take part in the event’s media program generating news and feature stories that will take Queensland’s tourism products and experiences to the world.

“Delegates will also tour destinations across the state before and after the event, extending the benefits of ATE16 well beyond the Gold Coast.”

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Leanne Coddington said hosting Australia’s most important tourism trade event in Queensland presented a prime opportunity for the state to showcase its’ unrivalled and diverse offerings.

“Our focus will be showing delegates and the international media our amazing suite of experiences from the Great Barrier Reef, our islands and beaches, natural encounters, outback and adventure, major events and enviable Queensland lifestyle,” Ms Coddington said.

“ATE is a great opportunity to promote these authentic and iconic tourism offerings from across the State, complemented by an exciting events program which showcases the best of the Gold Coast.

“It is also an opportunity to showcase the 2018 Commonwealth Games to an international audience.”