Sydney has been announced to be the host city for next year’s Australian Tourism Exchange - the nation’s largest annual tourism trade show. 

The Australian Tourism Exchange is the country’s largest business-to-business event, where Australia’s tourism businesses gather in a forum for a direct promotion of their products to tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world. 

According to Tourism Australia, approximately 1,500 Australian Seller delegates from approximately 500 companies, 600 key Buyer delegates from over 30 countries, and over 80 international and Australian media attend the event.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said Australian Tourism Exchange 2017 would be an opportunity to showcase the newly constructed International Convention Centre.

The International Convention Centre, which is capable of hosting up to 8,000 seats, is Australia’s largest exhibition and convention centre located in Darling Harbour, which is set to open in December 2016.

“In the year ended December 2015, NSW welcomed nearly 87 million overnight international, domestic and day trip visitors who spent more than $30.6 billion in the State - demonstrating NSW’s capacity to compete on a global scale,” Mr Ayres said.

“This five day event will generate significant economic benefits to the State while highlighting our iconic attractions, beautiful beaches, outstanding food and wine scene and provide delegates from overseas and across Australia with the chance to explore Sydney and the breathtaking surrounding regions of NSW,” He added.

Australian Tourism Exchange 2017 will be held from Sunday 14 May until Thursday 18 May 2017. 

“We look forward to showcasing our incredible State during ATE 2017, set to provide delegates with a forum for Australian tourism businesses to display their products, make overseas contacts and negotiate deals,” Mr Ayres said.