The annual trade expo of the Australian tourism sector - Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2009 kick-started in Melbourne today. Despite the H1N1 influenza threat and over 1000 cases of swine flu in Victoria region of Australia, the event has witnessed participation of 247 sellers and 245 buyers. Of the total 247 sellers (companies), 33 will showcase their products for the first time at ATE, while the new entries in the buyers category this year is 55.
Speaking at the opening session of ATE, Martin Ferguson, Minister of Tourism, Australia said, “We are pleased to announce that despite the global economic slowdown and H1N1 influenza, the attendance remains strong this year. About 75 per cent of the Australian tourism sector comprises domestic travel and remaining is international travel (inbound). We are looking forward to increase the inbound tourism sector through various initiatives like tourism campaigns, working closely with travel trade and organising trade events for travel partners to give firsthand experience of our products.” |