Qantas ends 35-year ATE partnership

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Qantas has not lodged a bid to become Tourism Australia’s preferred airline partner for next year’s Australian Tourism Exchange in Cairns, ending a 35-year collaboration on the event.

In a further sign that relations between Qantas and TA remain icy, the flag carrier did not submit a tender for the event – the largest Australian tourism trade event in the calendar.

Discussions are on-going between TA and other potential partner airlines with an announcement expected soon. The event takes place between May 11 and 16 next year.

Qantas has been TA’s major airline partner for ATE since the show’s inception in 1979 when it was called Marketplace.

While confirming it did not submit a bid, Qantas stressed it will be working closely with Tourism Events Queensland after signing a $12 million cooperative marketing agreement to promote Queensland around the world.

Qantas has also struck direct deals with New South Wales, Tasmania, WA, Northern Territory and, most recently, Victoria in joint marketing deals worth $72 million over three years.

Qantas also said it did not bid for Dreamtime, which showcases Australia’s business events industry.

Virgin Australia was appointed TA’s platinum sponsor for Dreamtime, which takes place in early December.

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