Over 520 of the world’s leading travel trade buyers are getting a taste of Noosa and are being inspired to promote the region this week at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE 2022), the largest trade show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tourism Noosa chief executive officer Melanie Anderson said, “This is the first time in two years that our team will meet face-to-face with tourism buyers from key international markets, representing our trade-ready members to increase the number of accommodation and experiences that are sold to overseas visitors.“
With 72 appointments across two-and-a-half days, Tourism Noosa’s head of marketing Adam Townson and trade and business events manager Vynka Hutton, will be sharing the Noosa Trade Travel Planner 2022-2023.
The destination guide, now in its seventh year is a comprehensive guide of over 40 trade and international ready products including accommodation, tours, activities, attractions and experiences, all perfect for the inbound market.
The guide is also filled with useful travel information, suggested itineraries, events and destination information.
Distributed nationally and internationally, the Noosa Trade Planner assists and educates wholesalers, inbound tour operators and retail agents on what international-ready product and experiences Noosa has to offer.
Josh Donohoe from Creative Tours and Events advertises in the planner and said, “The planner gives us reach into the international market space that would otherwise be impossible for a small business like ours. It provides opportunities to secure new business and partnerships with international trade partners which is so important to our business.“
Ms Anderson said that these activities are a great way for Noosa to connect with key international influencers and update them on product news for the destination.
Trade buyers are always looking for information on what is new, tips on what to do, suggested itineraries and in essence, to discover different ways to promote and position a destination.
“Before Covid-19 forced the closure of global borders, international visitors contributed significant spend in the Noosa region and provided essential workers for the tourism industry,“ Ms Anderson said.
“They spent more than $100m each year in the Noosa region, and made up about 14 per cent of our overnight visitors.
“They typically stay longer and have a higher spend per person than most domestic visitors and they experience tours and activities while they’re here.
“International backpackers also provided a core service by filling essential jobs in our hospitality industry.“
The contingent from the Sunshine Coast includes The Ginger Factory, 4U Transfers and Tours/Croc Tours, Tasty Tours, Australia Zoo, Mary Valley Rattler, Visit Oz, Amaze World, Creative Tours, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Oceanview Helicopters, Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, Misty View Cottages.
