Tourism NT Chief Executive Maree Tetlow has welcomed the news that Darwin will host the annual Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Symposium from 29 April to 2 May in 2009, bringing more than 600 international tourism specialists together in Darwin.
A joint bid by ATEC NT, Tourism NT and the NT Convention Bureau saw Darwin outshine Hamilton Island and the Gold Coast in the four-month long bidding process.
Ms Tetlow said the ATEC Symposium is one of Australia’s premier business and networking events for the international tourism industry.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Darwin Convention Centre and the Territory to hundreds of delegates who sell our tourism product internationally,” Ms Tetlow said.
“The lure of a highly desirable destination with a new convention centre, new hotels and an innovative Symposium itinerary contributed to the successful outcome.”
The announcement was made at the Gala Dinner of the 2007 ATEC Meeting Place held in Sydney earlier this month.
The 2009 Symposium will incorporate workshops, face-to-face meetings, social activities and industry discussions with guest speakers addressing crucial issues facing the industry.
More than 120 inbound tour operators are expected visit Darwin for the Symposium, along with around 500 tourism specialists.
A Report by The Mole
