Australia’s largest tourism tradeshow, the Australian Tourism Exchange 2026 (ATE26), concluded at the Adelaide Convention Centre on May 14, 2027, with the announcement that the event will return to Sydney in 2027 for the first time in five years.
New South Wales has secured the hosting rights for Australian Tourism Exchange 2027 (ATE27), which will take place at the International Convention Centre Sydney from May 16–20, 2027.
Organised annually by Tourism Australia in partnership with the host state tourism body, ATE is regarded as Australia’s premier international tourism trade marketplace, bringing together global tourism buyers, travel media and Australian tourism businesses to promote tourism experiences across international markets.
This year’s event attracted more than 2,900 delegates, including international buyers from 32 countries, connecting global tourism buyers with Australian tourism operators and experiences.
According to organisers, ATE27 will showcase tourism offerings from both Sydney and regional New South Wales while further strengthening the state’s positioning as a leading visitor economy destination.
The announcement comes during a significant growth phase for the NSW tourism and aviation sector, ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport later this year and Australia’s preparations to host the Rugby World Cup 2027.
Officials stated that the event will also provide an opportunity to highlight NSW’s expanding tourism and transport infrastructure, including the growth of Newcastle Airport’s international operations, increasing international traffic through Sydney Airport and the launch of 24-hour operations at Western Sydney International Airport from October 2026.
ATE27 will be delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with Destination NSW.
Don Farrell, Australia’s Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, said, “South Australia has done a wonderful job hosting ATE this year and Sydney, home to so many iconic experiences, will be an excellent host next year. ATE is a fantastic event which saw more than 2900 delegates from 32 countries in 2026. The Albanese Labor Government is proud to support Tourism Australia to deliver this important tourism tradeshow which provides so many opportunities for local businesses and local jobs.”
Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, said, “The Australian Tourism Exchange 2027 will showcase the incredible diversity of experiences our state has to offer to hundreds of local and international buyers. Securing the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest international tourism tradeshow for NSW will play a key role in the Minns Labor Government achieving its goal of $91 billion in visitor economy expenditure by 2035.
He added, “I look forward to joining with stakeholders to share NSW’s unique tourism offering at this important trade event, which will reinforce why NSW is Australia’s leading tourism and business event destination.”
“During ATE26, Destination NSW and 95 NSW visitor economy operators connected with the world’s most influential travel buyers and media. This year’s NSW delegation included 41 tourism operators from regional NSW, 54 from Sydney, 17 first-time attendees and nine Aboriginal experience sellers who reinforced NSW’s position as Australia’s leading destination for authentic, immersive experiences.”
Robin Mack, Managing Director of Tourism Australia, said, “Tourism Australia has been delivering ATE for almost five decades, proving its value as our most significant annual event for connecting Australia’s unique travel experiences with international buyers.
“This year’s tradeshow has delivered strong business outcomes. These face-to-face meetings have strengthened relationships to deliver a pipeline of forward-business that contributes to the continued sustainable growth of the Australian tourism sector.”
Karen Jones, CEO of Destination NSW, said, “Destination NSW is thrilled to partner with Tourism Australia to deliver this important trade event. Sydney last hosted the Australian Tourism Exchange in 2022, with the Harbour City providing the perfect backdrop to sell NSW to the world.
“We can’t wait to welcome travel buyers and visitor economy stakeholders to the ICC Sydney for ATE27, alongside our NSW tourism businesses. The long-term benefits created by the event are substantial, the relationships it builds and the future business it drives play a critical role in inbound tourism growth.”
, concluded at the Adelaide Convention Centre on May 14, 2027, with the announcement that the event will return to Sydney in 2027 for the first time in five years.){kind=link}