Victoria Victorious at ATE 2015

The Australian Tourism Exchange 2015 (ATE) kicked off on Friday with its official Media Marketplace program.

Media from across Australia and abroad arrived in Melbourne to experience cafe culture, street art tours and warehouse networking events.

Speaking at the Media Welcome function on Friday, Victorian Minister for Tourism John Eren said that the state has made a name for themselves as a national hero.

“From the lane ways of Fitzroy to the groove of Collingwood, tourism is a natural asset,” he said.

“The culmination of our typical Melbourne themes has made us a sporting capital of the world, and the cultural capital of our nation.”

Melbourne put on quite the show for media delegates on Sunday, showcasing the city’s surrounding draw cards such as the penguins on Phillip Island, the vineyards in Yarra Valley, and the scenic sights of Mornington Peninsula.

ATE 2015 continues until Wednesday June 24, with over 2000 buyers, sellers and media participating in an important event that highlights the integral role tourism plays in the Australian economy.

Australia’s annual tourism showcase is this year being hosted by the Victorian Government in partnership with Tourism Australia at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

More than 700 tourism buyers from over 30 countries and a large contingent of international and Australian travel media are attending ATE 2015, where they will have the chance to meet with more than 1200 representatives from over 500 Australian tourism companies and tourism organisations.

A record number of first time Victorian tourism companies will participate this year representing experiences as diverse as wildlife sanctuaries, eco-tourism, accommodation, driving and walking tours, wineries and other attractions.

ATE 2015 will provide a major boost for Victoria’s $20.6 billion tourism sector by enabling Victorian tourism companies to meet with leading international tourism buyers and secure new partnerships and business for the year ahead.

“Hosting an event of this scale in our home state is an enormous opportunity for Victorian tourism and testament to Melbourne’s reputation as a major events city,” Eren added.

“As one of the most dramatically diverse Australian states, Victoria now attracts more than two million international visitors every year to experience our culture, explore our landscapes and enjoy our hospitality.”

Check out some of the pics from the event so far.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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