Australian Tourism Export Council

Australian Tourism Export Council
Name	Australian Tourism Export Council
Abbreviation	ATEC
Formation	1985
Type	Industry association
Headquarters	Sydney, New South Wales
Region served	Australia
Membership	Tourism exporters, tour operators, inbound travel agents
Leader title	Chief Executive Officer

Australian Tourism Export Council The Australian Tourism Export Council is an industry association representing inbound travel exporters and international tour operators. It acts as a peak body for stakeholders involved in promoting Australia as an international destination, liaising with entities such as Tourism Australia, state tourism agencies, and multilateral organizations including the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Pacific Islands Forum. ATEC provides sectoral leadership across commercial, policy and promotional activities linked to destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the Whitsunday Islands.

History

ATEC originated in the mid-1980s amid growth in international arrivals to Australia driven by markets such as United Kingdom, United States, Japan, China, and New Zealand. Early engagement involved collaboration with agencies including Australian Tourist Commission and later Tourism Australia, responding to shifts after events like the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The council evolved through interactions with peak bodies such as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Hotels Association, and state-based organizations like Destination NSW and Visit Victoria. Strategic changes mirrored broader trends exemplified by forums such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings and reports by the Productivity Commission.

Structure and Governance

ATEC operates through a board of directors drawn from member companies, similar to governance arrangements at organizations like Tourism Council Australia and industry groups including the Business Events Council of Australia. Executive leadership typically includes a chief executive officer and senior staff specializing in international markets such as China, India, United Kingdom, United States, and Germany. The council’s governance aligns with corporate law frameworks referenced in instruments such as the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), and interacts with regulatory bodies like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on commercial issues. Committees and working groups coordinate with partner institutions including Austrade and academic centres such as the University of Queensland tourism research units.

Membership and Industry Representation

Members comprise a mix of inbound tour operators, destination management companies, wholesalers, passenger transport providers, and accommodation partners active in locations such as Byron Bay, Kangaroo Island, Darwin, and Cairns. Representative peers include organizations like the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, Cruise Lines International Association, and state associations such as South Australian Tourism Industry Council. Corporate members often include travel conglomerates operating in markets like Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, while affiliate partners span airlines such as Qantas, hospitality groups like Accor, and attractions including Taronga Zoo and Kakadu National Park.

Programs and Services

ATEC delivers trade-facing programs including market access missions to countries like China, India, United States, and Japan, trade training comparable to offerings from Australian Pacific Training Coalition, and familiarisation tours to showcase itineraries across regions such as Tasmania, Gold Coast, and Blue Mountains National Park. It provides accreditation and business development services modeled on initiatives by bodies like Australian Skills Quality Authority and supports digital marketing and distribution through partnerships with technology firms and industry platforms used by entities such as Flight Centre and Helloworld Travel. Research outputs and market intelligence draw on sources like the Reserve Bank of Australia statistics and international arrival data from Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

ATEC engages in advocacy on issues affecting inbound tourism, interfacing with policymakers in forums such as sessions of the Parliament of Australia, and with departments including the Department of Home Affairs (Australia) on visa policy and border settings. It campaigns on matters touching aviation capacity and bilateral air services agreements involving carriers like Qantas and Singapore Airlines, and lobbies on visa arrangements impacting visitors from markets like China and India. ATEC’s policy submissions reference national strategies such as the National Tourism Strategy and collaborate with research institutions including the Grattan Institute and university tourism research centres to support evidence-based recommendations.

Events and Awards

The council organises trade events, buyer-seller forums and networking programs similar to international trade shows like ITB Berlin and World Travel Market, facilitating connections between inbound operators and international buyers from markets such as United Kingdom, Germany, United States, and China. ATEC recognises excellence through industry awards and business recognitions akin to accolades presented by Australian Tourism Awards and state awards run by bodies like Visit Victoria, celebrating innovation in product development, sustainability, and indigenous tourism partnerships with organisations such as Indigenous Art Code proponents and cultural institutions like the National Museum of Australia.

Category:Tourism in Australia Category:Trade associations based in Australia