Australia's Coral Coast is abuzz with just under a week to go until Western Australia hosts the 2008 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE).
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said ATE would showcase WA and the Coral Coast to the world when it is held in Perth from June 14 to 20.
"ATE is a massive international tourism expo which will directly boost the State's economy by $10million and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in future tourism business," Ms McHale said.
"This significant event will position Western Australia as a leading holiday destination, and will see more than 2,300 delegates, including 680 of the world's top buyers and distributors of Australian product, descend on WA.
"These buyers arrange travel, accommodation, tours and services on behalf of overseas visitors travelling to WA, so their involvement is vital to WA tourism.
"ATE provides the ideal forum for tourism operators to meet and negotiate deals with these important international buyers, as well as promote its product on a personal level through extensive familiarisation (famils) programs."
Tourism WA will host nine 'famils' for 40 international buyers in Australia's Coral Coast between June 13 and 24, with media outlets also participating to help promote WA.
"By familiarising tourism buyers and media with our unique experiences, culture and history, they will be better equipped to sell WA to potential tourists," the Minister said.
"The Coral Coast 'famils' will highlight some of the State's greatest assets, including Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay, Monkey Mia and Cape Range National Park.
"Registrations for these visits have come from Tourism WA's key and emerging markets including the United Kingdom, China, Germany, Korea and the United States.
"These delegates will be left with a lasting impression of Australia's Coral Coast and will continue to promote the region long after they return home."
This year's ATE will promote indigenous tourism product through a special Aboriginal Australia showcase, and is the first ATE where everyone involved will work towards achieving environmental sustainability.
For more information, visit http://www.ate2008.com.au.
Minister's office - 9213 6900
