Major trade show to boost WA tourism in 2012

Western Australia will host one of the world's biggest tourism trade shows, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), in Perth in June 2012.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames announced today that the State Government would provide $2.8million towards the cost of bringing this prestigious tourism event to Western Australia.

"ATE is the world's third biggest tourism trade show and the biggest in the southern hemisphere," Dr Hames said.

"It provides a tremendous platform for Australian tourism businesses such as airlines, tour companies and accommodation providers to promote their products to international buyers."

The local tourism industry will be asked to significantly contribute to the event through the provision of hotel rooms, transport for delegates and familiarisation tours.

Perth last hosted ATE in 2008 when more than 2,100 delegates, including 703 buyers from 40 countries, attended the event injecting about $10million into the local economy and generating almost 13,000 bed nights.

"It also resulted in more than 100 local and international media stories, which equated to nearly $4.2million in free publicity for Western Australia," Dr Hames said.

The 2012 event is expected to provide a similar boost to the State's tourism industry.

The Minister said in the longer term the ATE would help generate billions of dollars in export earnings for Australia as a result of the business and product awareness raised at the event.

"ATE provides the perfect setting for the tourism industry to showcase Western Australia to the world," he said.

"A major component of the event will be an extensive familiarisation program run by Tourism Western Australia.

"The program will see more than 500 delegates travelling across Western Australia so they can experience our extraordinary State first hand."

The 2012 ATE will be held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre from June 15 to 21, 2012.

ATE is managed by Tourism Australia, which along with major sponsor Qantas Airways provides significant investment in the event.

Minister's office - 9222 8788