NSW has secured the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest international tourism tradeshow for 2027, with the Australian Tourism Exchange returning to Sydney five years after it last showcased the harbour city to global buyers.
The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE27) will bring more than 2,900 delegates from 32 countries to ICC Sydney, delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with Destination NSW. The timing positions Sydney to capitalise on Western Sydney International Airport’s opening in October 2026 and Australia hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said securing the conference supports the Minns Labor Government’s goal of $91 billion in visitor economy expenditure by 2035. “Securing the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest international tourism conference 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 said.
The 2026 event in Adelaide attracted more than 2,900 delegates from 32 countries, with federal government support reinforcing ATE’s position as Australia’s most significant annual tourism trade event. Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell praised South Australia’s hosting before endorsing Sydney’s selection. “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,” he said.
Tourism Australia has delivered ATE for almost five decades, connecting Australia’s travel experiences with international buyers who negotiate future business during the four-day event. Managing Director Robin Mack described it as “our most significant annual event for connecting Australia’s unique travel experiences with international buyers.”
Sydney last hosted ATE in 2022, with Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones highlighting the harbour city’s appeal to international travel trade. “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,” she said.
The 2027 conference arrives as Sydney Airport delivers its strongest first quarter for international travel in its history and Newcastle Airport expands international capacity. Western Sydney International Airport will operate around the clock from October 2026, creating additional flight connectivity for international delegates and future visitors.
This year’s NSW delegation to ATE included 41 regional tourism operators, 54 from Sydney, 17 first-time attendees and nine Aboriginal experience sellers. The event offers regional operators structured access to international buyers who typically book group tours and experiences 12 to 18 months in advance.
ICC Sydney can accommodate up to 12,000 delegates simultaneously across 35,000 square metres of exhibition space. The venue’s capacity allows tourism operators to schedule multiple buyer appointments during the conference, with relationships built at ATE driving future inbound tourism growth well beyond the event dates.
Early registration is recommended for both tourism operators seeking international distribution and corporate event planners, as Sydney’s hospitality sector expects concurrent demand from ATE delegates, Rugby World Cup visitors, and the opening of luxury hotels including the Waldorf Astoria and AC by Marriott in early 2027.
Quick Facts
Tourism Australia
The national body responsible for promoting Australia as a leading tourist destination and hosting the Australian Tourism Exchange—the country’s largest annual travel and tourism trade event. Tourism Australia has been delivering ATE for nearly five decades to connect international buyers with Australian tourism experiences.
Destination NSW
The NSW state tourism and events authority partnering with Tourism Australia to deliver ATE27 at ICC Sydney. Destination NSW works to strengthen NSW’s position as Australia’s leading tourism and business event destination.
International Convention Centre Sydney
Australia’s premier convention and exhibition venue located at Darling Harbour, offering state-of-the-art facilities with capacity for up to 12,000 delegates and 35,000 square metres of exhibition space. ICC Sydney will host ATE27 in 2027.