atec yearbook 2009

Apple of our Isle Preview of Symposium 2010 Hobart

Chairman’s report

Managing Director’s review

State branch updates

ATEC staff profiles

YATEC branch reports

Picture galleries

ATEC Yearbook 2009 [ 2 ]

From the MD

Dear industry colleagues, It’s no secret that 2009 has been a long and difficult year for ATEC and for our industry in general. We will all get back on

our feet eventually, but things will never quite be the same again. Nowhere is this more evident than in distribution, where channels continue to diversify and evolve while consolidation has accelerated in the traditional channels. In this environment ATEC has been hard at work both in Canberra and in the marketplace, involved in everything from helping shape the Jackson Report’s Long-Term Tourism Strategy to running numerous business-to-business and education workshops for members, to lobbying for assistance from the Global Financial Crisis, to helping educate our next generation of industry leaders via YATEC, to helping establish what will hopefully be profitable new tourism sectors in years to come. One thing which has stood out for me this year has been the resilience, the spirit and the fight displayed by you, our members, in the face of the most challenging trading conditions in living memory. Each and every one of you should be congratulated for the way that each of you, as an industry, have responded to the situation. Here’s to a better 2010. Matt Hingerty

Managing Director Australian Tourism Export Council

Contents 04 Apple of our Isle ATEC Symposium 2010 Hobart preview 06 2009: A year to remember or a time to

forget? ATEC Chairman’s annual report

08 Tourism at the crossroads; looking to the future ATEC Managing Director’s annual report

10 ATEC State Branch Updates 21 ATEC Financial Report 22 ATEC National Board 23 State Branch Manager contacts 24 ATEC Branch Committees 29 Young ATEC Branch Reports 37 Product feature: APT Touring 38 ATEC long-serving members 39 That was the year that was

Photo galleries

ATEC Yearbook 2009 is published by the Australian Tourism Export Council. Editor: Nick Buchan Contact ATEC: Tower 2, Level 18, Darling Park 201 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000 Phone: (02) 8262 5500 Fax: (02) 9268 0457 Email: [email protected] http://www.atec.net.au © ATEC 2009

mailto:[email protected]�

http://www.atec.net.au/�


WITH a strong colonial legacy, Hobart abounds with picturesque monuments and majestic sandstone buildings which the city has combined with cosmopolitan restaurant and shopping strips to create its own distinct vibe. As such, Hobart perfectly captures Symposium 2010’s ‘leveraging the past to build the future’ mantra. Symposium 2010, Australia’s biggest inbound tourism conference, will see more than 500 Members, politicians, chief executives, corporate partners, decision-makers and industry VIPs descend on Hobart to participate in business-to-business workshops, attend the two-day conference, and experience the best that the city has to offer.

“Tasmania has been one of the few good stories in a year which has been otherwise terrible for tourism,” ATEC Managing Director Matt Hingerty said. “Both the inbound and domestic market is up, and investors look with rare confidence for opportunities in Tasmania,”

Investment Mr Hingerty said the Tasmanian Government’s recent decision to invest an additional $4 million into tourism marketing made it even more important for local operators to get involved in Symposium. Symposium 2010’s exciting program offers something for everyone. Economist Chris Richardson of Access

Economics will give an update on the national economic prospects as specifically relating to the Australian tourism industry. Outgoing Tourism New Zealand CEO George Hickton will give a keynote speech about how to properly ‘build a brand’, using his successful Tourism NZ ‘100% Pure’ campaign as an example. Inspirational aeroplane-crash survivor Allana Corbin will relate her unforgettable story of being trapped in the wreckage of a plane crash and seeing three friends die, yet successfully rebuilding her life after learning to walk again and conquering a fear of flying.

“Tasmania has been one of the few good

stories in a year which has otherwise been

terrible for tourism”

Adventurers James Castrission and Justin Jones will speak about their incredible 62-day bid to paddle nearly 4000km from Australia to New Zealand – and what drove them to do so. Other conference highlights include market-stream breakout sessions on the East, West and Emerging markets; a series of business-related breakout sessions on everything from digital marketing strategy to tourism

Apple of our Isle Symposium 2010 Hobart preview

With the theme ‘Looking into the Future’, it could

be considered slightly ironic that ATEC’s Symposium 2010 is actually being held in

Australia’s second-oldest capital city, Hobart. However this couldn’t be further from the truth,

writes Nick Buchan.


policy, customer service and the latest and greatest developments in technology. The conference program will also include ATEC’s industry-leading business-to-business workshops and a host of social networking opportunities, including ‘Destination Showcase’ and the Gala Dinner.

History of Hobart Hobart, and Tasmania in general, is one of the bright lights on the Australian tourism stage right now; the tourist market is strong, carriers are adding flights to the Apple Isle, and there is a sense of excitement about Hobart as a destination. Hobart just has so much to offer. The city's European beginnings are plain to see, from quaint settlers' cottages to the lofty porches of colonial mansions. Sandstone warehouses originally erected by convicts in the nineteenth century today house stylish boutiques, top restaurants and bistros, artists’ studios

and art galleries. Cafes and restaurants line the River

Derwent, which winds its way through the heart of the city. Those wanting culture are not left out; Hobart boasts the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Australia’s oldest theatre and the soon-to-be opened MONA (Museum of New and Old Art), site of ATEC’s Destination Showcase. Hobart also hosts numerous festivals and events, including the Taste Festival each December/January, the Wooden Boat Festival, The Australian Shakespeare Festival, the weekly Salamanca market, and the Antarctic Winter Festival. Hobart’s emergence as an inbound destination is

reflected in the numbers; according to recent Tourism Australia IVS figures, while inbound international visitor volume was down for the year to September, total spend by international visitors increased 3% over

the year to $253 million.

Average spend per visitor and per night in the year to June 2009 in Tasmania grew to $1692 (+8%) and $94 (+17%) respectively. In contrast to the decline in international holiday travel into Australia (-5%), the number of international holiday visitors to Tasmania remained unchanged from the previous year.

“Symposium is a wonderful opportunity

for Tasmanian operators to boost their presence in, or simply break into, overseas tourism markets”

“Symposium is a wonderful opportunity for Tasmanian operators to boost their presence in, or simply break into, overseas tourism markets,” Mr Hingerty said. “With its magnificent food and wine, great service and interesting colonial history, Tasmania is a unique destination.”

Confirmed Symposium speakers • George Hickson, Tourism NZ • Adventurers James Castrission and Justin Jones • Allana Corbin, inspirational speaker • Tania Major, 2007 Young Australian of the Year • Brett Rolfe, Naked Communications

ATEC Symposium 2010 April 20-23, 2010 Hobart, Tasmania

For more details, go to www.atec.net.au/symposium.html

http://www.atec.net.au/symposium.html�


2009: a year to forget, or a time to remember? ATEC Annual Report

ATEC Chairman John King To many in the tourism industry, 2009 would be a year best forgotten. On the other hand, however, it is from challenging times that we can learn so much.

It is almost trite to say that the past year has been a year like no other; while some markets and sectors have declined significantly, others have risen or at least held their ground. While overall yield has suffered, some operators and sectors have reported reasonable to strong results. Some destinations appear to have weathered the storm of the Global Financial Crisis, H1N1 virus, the 50% increase in the value of the Australian dollar, changed airline capacity and schedules, while others show signs of economic and social stress. Compared with most major destinations around the world, Australia appears to have been rather less impacted, with both overall visitor arrivals and revenue holding up relatively well. Yet while signs of recovery are being reported, we need to remind ourselves and others that due to the nature of our industry this may not lead to positive cash flows for some time to come. In April our successful Symposium in Darwin boasted the theme Trading Through Troubled Times – the Journey to Recovery. Reflecting the positive spirit of the host city and the Symposium itself, most of the emphasis has been on the journey to recovery. Now that this voyage is underway, it is becoming increasingly obvious that our final destination will not be the one we left sometime in 2008.

The changes that have already taken place (and are continuing to occur) have been vastly accelerated. Apart from long-term impacts on the economies of our source markets, the prevalence and reach of the internet has increased, the trend of using social networking to inform and motivate people around the world has boomed, even the fundamental ways of doing business have changed. Within this changing environment it is likely that Australia’s traditional mainstay markets will also change. Changes on the horizon For a number of years we have seen a steady decline in general leisure travel to Australia, whilst other travel sectors, such as education travel, have grown. I believe this is a precursor to a broader change that will take place in our inbound tourism market mix. Particularly for our long-haul markets, many people will need stronger and more compelling reasons to take a long-haul flight rather than a shorter one. Rather than selecting one destination over another in which to spend two or three weeks, travel decisions will increasingly be driven by an aspiration to undertake a particular or unique experience, to participate in a particular activity or quest, to personally learn or benefit from a new opportunity, to travel for reasons of health and wellbeing, or to satisfy a physical, psychological or even spiritual yearning. As they mature, some of our short-haul markets will also increasingly respond to these types of motivations.

“Like many of our individual member-companies and organisations, ATEC

too must change to meet the needs and challenges our fluctuating future will

bring us”

For Australia to continue to succeed in these changing circumstances, competitively we will need to become more compelling, increasingly unique and even more world-class.


Like any of our individual member companies and organisations, ATEC too must change to meet the needs and challenges our fluctuating future will bring us. It is for this reason that for the past two years ATEC has been planning and implementing various changes to its operations and emphasis.

“There was an upswing in the number of new members signing up with ATEC, with just on one hundred new members

joining in 2008/09”

These include: • recognising the changes in distribution and

the involvement of new systems and intermediaries

• more emphasis on ATEC-member education seminars and programs

• mentoring programs for YATEC members • the development of new market sectors such

as Health and Wellness and Education • active participation in the National

Landscapes Program and its creation of new world-class experiences; the stimulation of new markets by sponsoring trade missions

• increasing representation in the youth travel sector.

Indigenous tourism ATEC is also increasing its support for the development of Indigenous tourism and its increasing integration into an increasingly unique and essential Australian experience, by the development of a new Indigenous Advisory Panel and a new industry-based training and employment program. We have also increased our use of new communications technologies, with an upgraded and more interactive website (including a careers website for members, in partnership with Fairfax), the upcoming introduction of member webinars, and the adoption of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

The further development of these and other new programs are planned for the next year, as well as new partners and strategic relationships to allow us both to respond to ongoing changes to the environment in which we operate and to better serve our members in this environment. ATEC’s plans include new income sources – for if we are to expand our role and activities whilst maintaining existing services to ATEC members, we need to broaden the organisation’s revenue base. As was the case for many of our members, the past year’s business downturn had an impact on ATEC. The attrition rate of existing members increased to 12% for the year, while a number of Corporate Partners withdrew due to commercial factors. On the other hand there was an upswing in the number of new members signing up with ATEC, with just on one hundred new members joining in 2008/09 and this strong growth in new members continuing in the current financial year. This influx of new members, as well as a rigorous cost-monitoring and -reduction program has allowed ATEC to record only a very modest loss on the year’s activities.

“In many respects we are by nature an industry of individuals – however we

increase our strength, our insights and our relevance by working together”

We believe that the year ahead, whilst showing signs of recovery, will nevertheless continue to be challenging. In this environment we appreciate the support you have provided and the confidence you have expressed in ATEC. In many respects we are by nature an industry of individuals - however we increase our strength, our insights and our relevance by working together. ATEC is confident it will continue to provide the platform for working productively together.


Tourism at the crossroads – looking to the future ATEC Managing Director’s Report

ATEC MD Matt Hingerty The histories of organisations, individuals and nations are replete with ‘pivot points’ – moments in their stories when they are faced with external

consequences and change forever - for better or for worse. As outlined in the Chairman’s Report, 2009 has been a long and difficult year for ATEC and for our industry in general. It has accelerated underlying trends that were evident prior to the onset of the global financial crisis and, in many ways, may have changed the industry permanently. Nowhere is this more evident than in distribution, where channels continue to diversify and evolve while consolidation has accelerated in the traditional channels. As the Chairman has noted, ATEC has not only survived but in some areas thrived. We have taken the deliberate stance of looking for opportunities for our members rather than rolling into a ball and hiding in a corner until the GFC went away. That we were able to do this with confidence is testament to the foresight of both the current and past Boards in both keeping tab of industry trends and preparing the organisation for external shocks. Long-Term Tourism Strategy Over the last year, our external environment has been as frenetic as our internal operations. As we entered the year, I was hard at work representing the industry on the Government’s Long-Term Tourism Strategy, chaired by Margaret Jackson. The Jackson Report contained some recommendations of critical

interest, some of which ATEC is already acting upon. The foremost of these is the need to align the supply of Australian tourism product with the needs of the market. That Tourism Australia has re-invigorated its Market Advisory Panels, and has invited ATEC representation in them reinstates a critical link between the demand-side and the supply-side of our industry. Further, ATEC is bringing the collective wisdom of its members to bear on developing industry segments such as backpacker, youth, Indigenous and Health and Wellness.

“External stakeholders are just beginning to realise the vital,

unheralded and thankless role that traditional distribution players such as ITOs and travel agents have played in

ensuring that Australia’s tourism experiences are of world’s-best quality

and that the needs of consumers are assured”

The rapid and permanent changes to the distribution system means the whole industry is looking carefully at the issue of quality control and consumer protection. External stakeholders are just beginning to realise the vital, unheralded and thankless role that traditional distribution players such as ITOs and travel agents have played in ensuring that Australia’s tourism experiences are of world’s-best quality and that the needs of consumers are assured. As we move into the reality of virtual distribution and marketing, we need to grasp the implications for quality. You can be assured that ATEC will play a robust role in these deliberations. The Jackson Report identifies labour market issues as critical to the industry’s sustainability. As this year has unfolded, it has become clear to ATEC Management and the Board that the organisation has a significant role to play in the


intergenerational transfer of knowledge. From close contact with our Branches it has become crystal clear to us that a revolution in the management of our industry is underway, and that the wonderful young people which emerged from our universities and tourism schools are beginning to assert themselves. To that end Young ATEC has exploded in popularity as, through our mentoring programs, we match young people hungry for knowledge with industry ‘pioneers’ who are only too happy to pass it on. Young ATEC is rapidly becoming the envy of other organisations and is being studied by global associations.

“Young ATEC is rapidly becoming the envy of other organisations and is

being studied by global associations”

Perhaps the most important finding of the Jackson Report was that future growth in the inbound tourism sector will come from sources other than those motivated by pure leisure pursuits. To that end, and in response, ATEC has outlined a vision for Australia as a ‘lifecycle personal-services destination’, for our region in particular. This vision sees people returning to Australia across their lives – for education, for leisure, for business purposes, for events and for health and wellness services. We hope that as the Government’s vision for its ‘Brand Australia’ unfolds it will provide the “glue” for education, leisure and health and wellness to work together. Tourism research Finally, the Jackson Report called for a significant re-commitment to tourism research. As this report is being written, the future of tourism research remains the most problematic of the Jackson recommendations. It is now certain that the Sustainable Tourism CRC as we know it is coming to an end. As foreshadowed by ATEC three years ago in The Missing Link, we need to find another way to generate, pay for and manage research and development without

losing the corporate knowledge, IP and relationships of the current CRC. So 2009 has been an extremely challenging year, but as described above, ATEC is working hard to take advantage of those challenges to build a sustainable and prosperous future for our industry and our individual members.

ATEC staff snapshot Name: Belinda Herbert

Role: National events executive, primarily ATEC Symposium and Meeting Place, however also smaller functions throughout the year that pop up

Best thing about ATEC: See above

Favourite snack: Lollies or fruit depending on my mood

Secret hobby: Muay Thai kickboxing although it’s not much of a secret in the office

What are you reading at the moment? Memoirs of a Geisha (for about the last year)

You have $10k to spend; what would you do with it? I would live in Thailand for a year to train in my kickboxing and live by the beach in a hut


ATEC Branch Updates New South Wales In 2009 the NSW Branch committee was intent on offering ‘true value for membership’ by offering worthwhile branch events. This strategy saw a number of new event-formats trialled along with the more familiar ‘tried and tested’ variety.

NSW Mega Famil The NSW Mega Famil was held in February, with 28 ITOs in attendance and 38 NSW product suppliers showcasing their wares. The event featured a full day of workshops in Sydney as well as a cocktail welcome function at the historic Argyle Centre in The Rocks. The Gala Dinner was held at the Australian Museum, with canapés and drinks served in the Australian Dinosaur Gallery followed by dinner in the Terrace Room overlooking the Sydney skyline, St Mary’s Cathedral and the Harbour. Following the Sydney workshop 16 ITOs were hosted for two days in Byron Bay and surrounds by Northern Rivers Tourism.

‘Financial Health Check’ seminar In March the Branch held a “Financial Health check” seminar addressing the challenges posed by the GFC and providing advice to members on how to shore up their businesses against tough times. Renowned financial analyst and commentator Peter Switzer delivered an (surprisingly from an economist) entertaining presentation on how people historically have reacted to ‘challenging times’. Visa International’s (principal event sponsor and responsible for approximately 45% of international spend in Australia) Andrew Woodward told us that in the current climate the best thing for members was to ensure that they have the best available advice to allowing them to make informed decisions about their business. Tourism NSW’s Lyndel Gray provided an update on TNSW’s renewed focus and of their planned activities to support NSW operators for the upcoming year.

Cruise Forum In July the Branch held an educational forum at the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, focusing on the Cruise sector, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the inbound tourism industry. The forum heard a panel of industry experts discuss current issues, with particular focus on the Port of Sydney. The speakers were Ian Cameron (TNSW), Richard Doyle (Chairman - Cruise Down Under), John Nell (Carnival Australia), Phil Rosser (Sydney Ports Corporation) and Tyler Wood (Bob Wood Cruise Group). More than 70 members attended the luncheon.

AGM/Trivia Night The ATEC NSW AGM was once again held in conjunction with the popular ATEC Trivia Night, this year being held at the newly-refurbished Dockside venue at Cockle Bay Wharf overlooking Darling Harbour. With more than 100 ATEC members attending it was a fun night of debate, challenge and networking, after which a number of attendees (who shall remain nameless) continued on for ‘just one more’ at Helm Bar in Darling Harbour.

“This co-operative event not only reflected both the congested tourism-event calendar but showed the united and dedicated face of NSW tourism, and additionally gave members the chance to voice their concerns to

Macquarie St”

TICNSW industry luncheon In September ATEC NSW teamed up with the Tourism Industry Council NSW to co-host an industry luncheon with a keynote address by NSW Leader of the Opposition, The Hon. Barry O’Farrell. This co-operative event not only reflected both the congested tourism-event calendar but showed the united and dedicated face of NSW tourism, and additionally gave members an opportunity to voice their concerns to Macquarie St. More than one hundred tourism


industry personnel attended from both ATEC and TIC NSW’s membership base.

NSW Luxury Famil and workshop In October ATEC NSW teamed up with TNSW and Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa to host the inaugural NSW Luxury Famil and workshop. This event was designed to showcase the luxury product that NSW has to offer. As part of this event a select group of ITOs were amongst the first to experience the luxurious Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa country retreat, just 3.5 hours outside of Sydney. Following a night at Wolgan Valley the ITOs returned to Sydney for a workshop, which provided the opportunity to meet face-to-face with NSW luxury-product suppliers. In Sydney the ITOs were hosted at the Observatory and Amora Jamison hotels, and enjoyed mingling with NSW luxury-product suppliers at a cocktail function held at the spectacular Summit Restaurant (47 levels above Sydney).

“The new ‘Masterclass’ format has been designed so that attendees can

hear from the ‘Masters’ in small groups intended to facilitate feedback

and conversation on discussion topics”

ITO Masterclass The first event in the Branch’s new ITO Master Class series was held in late October at the Sydney Opera House. This event focused on the Eastern Hemisphere, with five ITOs representing China, Taiwan, SE Asia, Japan and India. The new ‘Masterclass’ format has been designed so that attendees can hear from the ‘Masters’ in small groups intended to facilitate feedback and conversation on discussion topics. Following much positive feedback, the NSW Branch intends to hold further Masterclass events in 2010. Jessica Maxfield ATEC NSW Branch Manager

South Australia Our first event after last year’s AGM was our annual Christmas party. This was held in the gardens of Doctor Penfold’s cottage at Magill Estate, and the hospitality we received from


everyone at Magill Estate was typically outstanding. In February, more than 20 members attended a special briefing on the cruise-ship industry and how we can increase the amount of shore excursion business available from cruise passengers. In March we held a Google Marketing Seminar at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, with more than 40 members attending. We were extremely lucky to have Claire Hatton, the Australian head of Google Travel, as our speaker and she did a marvellous job.

Discover SA ITO workshop Our biggest event each year is the Discover SA ITO workshop. This year we presented two workshops, the first in Adelaide at the Hilton and the next day in the Flinders Ranges, on the veranda of the old Wilpena homestead. ATEC SA would like to give a special thank-you to Lynette Rasheed for her help with all the organisation of the workshop at Wilpena. Something else which was quite different this year was our networking event on The Ghan train to Alice Springs. With excellent support from GSR and the SATC, we matched up six ITOs and six ATEC suppliers to travel on the train. The agents were all en-route to the ATEC Symposium in Darwin, while the suppliers either flew on to Darwin, or returned home if they weren’t attending Symposium. Tourism NT then stepped in to support ATEC’s NT Central branch to continue the same event (with new NT suppliers) as The Ghan continued its journey from the Alice up to Darwin. Congratulations to GSR and especially Renee Goode for making this initiative possible. Now the big challenge is to find something similar for Hobart next year! Another very satisfying event this year was the Selling and Presentation Skills Seminar at the Holiday Inn, which we combined with a pre-ATE 09 briefing. This was the first time we have ever

paid for a speaker from the so-called ‘celebrity circuit’, and I know that everyone who heard Robin Daubeny’s personal stories went away very happy with his talk. Our next event was again something a little different - dinner with the general manager of Australia One Travel and ten of his staff in the Boudoir at Boho Bar on Unley Road. This was another successful and well-attended event, which continued the opportunities we are able to offer members to build better business relationships with our key ITOs. They are always popular and one of the most valuable membership benefits we can offer at the Branch level. In October we held a networking dinner with the staff of the AOT Group. A combined total of 18 representatives of AOT Inbound and Travelpoint Holidays also caught up with an enthusiastic group of SA ATEC members for drinks and a casual dinner in October. The AOT Group staff came from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide and the dinner was part of a five-day familiarisation visit to South Australia which included Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu.

New members On the membership front the task of member recruitment in a small market like SA has been made even harder in the face of the downturn in tourism and business activity generally. I am delighted to report, however, that we have welcomed five new members to the branch - they are Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris, Aurora Ozone Hotel and Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre, Adelaide Shores and Abbotsford Country House. That means a total of 69 members will be allocated to the SA branch out of a national ATEC membership of just under a thousand. Finally, I am delighted to announce that, for the first time ever, the SA branch has an official sponsor. The SeaLink Travel Group has recently signed on as our branch sponsor for 2009/10


and has also become an ATEC national Silver-level Corporate Partner. This is a significant investment by SeaLink, and we look forward to an even stronger relationship with the company from now on. Regina Twiss ATEC South Australia Chairperson

NT Central It has been a memorable year for the ATEC NT Central branch. More than 150 people attended the Australia movie night in December, organised with Tourism Central Australia. This was, without doubt, the biggest attendance we’ve ever had to an event.

In February this year we had an exclusive opportunity to meet and network with a group of high-quality inbound tour operators and domestic wholesalers who were in Alice Springs for On Country 09. They included representatives from Southern World, the AOT Group, ATS Pacific, Tour East, Territory Discoveries and Great Southern Rail. While numbers were limited, the feedback from the agents was fantastic.

Something quite different this year was our social networking event in April on board The Ghan up to Darwin. With excellent support from GSR and Tourism NT, we matched up six ITOs and six ATEC suppliers to travel on the train en-route to the Darwin symposium.

More recently we held a networking event at Lasseter’s with Tourism NT’s international public relations team. Once again our thanks go to Tourism NT for giving us the chance to catch up with these key in-market representatives.

Symposium The feedback I received from the many ITOs I met with in Darwin, both formally and informally, indicated that the NT and Central Australia was a destination at the very top of their wish list for clients to visit. This augurs well for the inbound suppliers as the GFC slowly but positively eases.

Speaking of Symposium, a good cross-section of our branch members took up the opportunity offered by ATEC to advertise their Symposium specials to both ITO and supplier delegates, with a good number of these offers being taken up. On the membership front we currently have 17 members in the branch. While we are the second-smallest of the nine branches, comprising a national ATEC membership of


almost a thousand, with the right programme of activities I’m sure our membership list will grow even further in the years to come. From little things big things grow!

Wayne Thompson ATEC NT Central Chairperson

NT Top End It is always interesting to report on the inbound activities we have all been involved in. Our members have been extremely generous in providing venues and hospitality.

NT Muster March ATEC members participating in NT Muster were able to meet face-to-face with all ITOs at each city visited. In Sydney a specific ITO- hour was also included prior to the normal agents’ event. This is a real bonus for members.

General Meeting April We held a drinks function with Tourism NT’s International Marketing Managers at Darwin Convention Centre, a very informal networking session prior to Symposium. ATEC NT Top End would like to issue a thank-you to Darwin Convention Centre and Tourism NT for their support.

Symposium April Top End Branch was well-represented. The support offered by hotels and transport operators was fantastic. We guaranteed all ATEC members a really memorable Symposium in Darwin and we certainly delivered! Well done to all.

General Meeting August A general meeting was held to introduce the new Chair and Deputy Chair, and to discuss plans in moving forward. Members were given the opportunity to discuss where they see ATEC Top End heading. The meeting was followed by a networking function with Tourism NT’s International PR Managers. Thank you to SKYCITY for sponsoring this event.

Young ATEC I am pleased that the NT Top End YATEC branch was a part of the Young ATEC


Development Program for the very first time. I would like to issue a big thank-you to Julieta Lopez for all her hard work and assistance in setting this up in the Top End. Also, a thank-you to our mentees (and their employers): Louise Kitchingham (SKYCITY), Kelly Vrolyks (Nitmiluk Tours), Louise Errington (Tourism NT) and Leigh Phillips-Brown (Tourism NT). Finally, a huge vote of thanks to our assigned mentors: Mark Taylor (Accor), Karen Dempster (Geotourism Marketing), Iain Ganner (IHG) and Penni Tastula. Brett Binns ATEC NT Top End Chairperson

Western Australia The year that was... To the tourism industry in general it was the GFC, Swine Flu and the Australian dollar’s rise, but to the ATEC WA Branch it was also a year of consolidation - a year in which we achieved our goals by raising the profile and awareness of ATEC in Western Australia and by increasing our membership and business opportunities for our members. The Branch also created valuable alliances with other industry associations in WA, including Tourism Council WA, Backpack WA, the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee, the Visitor Centre Association of WA and the Perth Convention Bureau. Our relationship with Tourism Western Australia has also grown from strength to strength, with TWA handing over the management of the WA Tourism Exchange (WATE) to ATEC from 2010 onwards, after having successfully run the event for the past twenty years. The WA Branch Chair Meng Wong and Branch Manager Margaret Wilson met with WA Minister for Tourism Dr Elizabeth Constable, and lobbied for the continuation of boost-funding for TWA for international marketing as well as discussing other issues impacting on the tourism industry in WA. The WA Branch Manager also represented ATEC on the Tourism WA Gas-Incident Tourism Communications Group, the Tourism WA Roundtable, the Margaret River Geographe Tourism Task Force and the Board of Experience Perth RTO. During the year the Branch provided members with a number of educational, business and networking opportunities, including an ‘Industry-Leader’s forum’ featuring Barry Flestead (CEO, Burswood Limited), Bradley Woods (CEO, AHA WA), John King, Matt Hingerty and Nathan Harding (Group CEO, Discover West Holidays).


YATEC WA scholarship

The Branch welcomed Perth Airport as our Branch Sponsor, and as part of the sponsorship agreement created the inaugural YATEC WA scholarship. This scholarship provided the opportunity for a YATEC member to attend the ATEC Symposium in Darwin and experience how the event is coordinated and also get a greater understanding of the industry from different perspectives. Our branch could not continue to thrive ad achieve the aims of association without the contribution of our volunteer Chairman and our WA Branch Committee who give their time, positive energy and expertise for the benefit of our members and the tourism industry. We are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that the coming year may bring and feel confident that our industry and the Branch will remain resilient in the current global conditions that impact in particular on the inbound tourism industry. Margaret Wilson ATEC WA Branch Manager

Victoria/Tasmania

In December 2008 the ATEC Vic/Tas Branch and Destination Melbourne signed a one-year partnership in the form of ‘Branch Sponsor’. This agreement is specifically intended to encourage businesses based in Melbourne to focus on preparing for international visitors. While Destination Melbourne sees ATEC’s involvement and support as a great opportunity,

it also provides the Vic/Tas Branch with access to potential new members. Ultimately this collaboration supports Melbourne as an outstanding visitor destination, and ATEC is extremely happy to be associated with such a proactive body within the tourism industry. We look forward to continuing this mutually-beneficial relationship into 2010.

Australian Open tennis January 2009 This very popular annual event allows suppliers and ITOs to attend the Australian Open tennis in a corporate box at Melbourne and Olympic Parks


to watch some fantastic tennis and network with industry colleagues.

Global Gossip (Melbourne and Hobart) February The Branch was excited to engage Jesse Desjardins from Global Gossip to run two seminars on online marketing in both Melbourne and Hobart. Both events were well received.

Sales Presentation training May This event was held prior to ATE in order to prepare our Suppliers for their appointments with their buyers. This year we engaged the services of Jen Harwood, who put together and presented a tailored program especially for ATEC members. ATEC would like to give a big thank-you to Cinzia Burnes from AOT and Matt Noble from Australian Wine Tours for providing the group with their thoughts on the ‘do’s and don’ts’ at ATE. A Tourism Victoria ATE 2009 update was also incorporated into this event.

Tasmanian Committee meeting April Members of the Vic/Tas Committee joined ATEC MD Matt Hingerty to visit Hobart for the day. The visit included a monthly Committee Meeting as well as a chance to meet with ITOs and Members who were in Tasmania for a famil. Matt updated the group on current industry issues. Once again, a big thank-you to Peter Ernst from Premier Travel Group for looking after us from arrival to departure.

Victorian Export-Ready Seminars Melbourne (4 June) / Echuca (8 October) Two Export-Ready seminars were held in Victoria in 2009. The first was held in Melbourne’s CBD (supported by the City of Melbourne) and one in Echuca, which was hosted by Echuca Moama and District Tourism.

Tasmanian Export-Ready Seminar August This seminar was held in Hobart in August and was very well attended.

Branch AGM September The Branch AGM was held at Melbourne Museum on Monday 7th September 2009. This event also included an industry update, and was followed by networking drinks and entry into the magnificent Pompeii Exhibition. Nola Cuddy from Zoo’s Victoria was nominated for the branch Most Outstanding Contribution Award – congratulations Nola!

Tasmanian Famil October A four-day ITO famil of Tasmania was organised by Tourism Tasmania.

Christmas Party and Race Day Saturday 12 December 2009 This year our highly-successful race day will be combined with our Christmas Party. The attendees will be treated to a private room (Champagne Bar) overlooking the track at Flemington Race Course. The food and wine will be flowing freely! This event is sponsored by Choice Hotels Australasia. Julie-Anne Rossetto Vic/Tas Branch Manager

South Queensland In reviewing 2008/9, it would be so very easy to throw up our hands and look for a drink to drown our sorrows, but in amongst a host of challenges there are some positives – first and foremost the positive nature of our members and Committee that “this too shall pass” However, we also have to be realistic, and considering the year our region has done reasonably well under tough conditions. The major challenges to our ATEC Members have resulted in a number of mergers and acquisitions as well as the loss of some tourism enterprises and developers - plus the overall drop in confidence in the markets.


On a local level the South Queensland Branch has also been affected, with a number of members being forced to change their membership commitment, but we have been fortunate to have secured a number of new members so we have not seen an overall drop. We have also been active in addressing some of these issues, with our activities in 2008/9 including the launch of a series of free networking sessions on key industry issues at new venues in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Networking sessions To date we have good success in securing support for these events, including the online networking sessions in October 2008, the National Long-Term Tourism briefing in February 2009, as well as sessions on the Gulf Countries and the Office of Fair Trading.

Other initiatives included regular local newsletters and Export-Ready sessions, with the latest held on the Gold Coast in October.

ITO workshops and familiarisations Finally and most importantly, our traditional ITO workshops and familiarisations have been well-attended by both the ITO’s and the suppliers. Events held at premier locations included Gold Coast at Seaworld in March, attracting over 40 ITOs; while the Southern Qld event held in Brisbane in September also secured good ITO support despite numerous competing events. A couple of novel innovations at our last event were due to one of our ITO’s not being able to attend. While it is nothing new for someone to drop out at the last minute, they instead attended their workshop sessions remotely via an online ‘Skype’ hook-up. Whilst there were a couple of technical hiccups, the interviews went well and I think we have unearthed another approach in securing greater ITO attendance for those unable to attend for time or budgetary pressures.

“A couple of novel innovations at our last event were due to one of our ITOs

not being able to attend. While it is nothing new for someone to drop out at the last minute, they instead attended their workshop sessions remotely via

an online ‘Skype’ hook-up”

The Committee met regularly throughout the year and with the support of David Cox of GCT, we were able to set up the option of either meeting at their office or calling in on the teleconference line – another great new initiative. This year we have a few Committee members who are retiring - we would like to pay thanks to Nicole Randall of NRG Tourism, Chantal Dunbar of Travelling in Australia and Peter Doggett, formerly of WVTP.


Future Whilst many of these challenges will continue and new ones will evolve, we think that by ATEC and the wider industry working together through the new online and traditional channels, we will see a positive result in 2009/10.

Narelle looks forward to remaining actively involved with the Committee and working with all in the industry for an even better year. Thank you for your support and we look forward to a great year. Don Jolly Sth Qld Branch Manager

Australian Capital Territory During 2009 the ATEC Branch in the ACT continued its dual role of supporting the tourism industry in promoting international visitation to Canberra whilst building an inbound community. In June the Branch held a networking function at the Novotel Canberra to coincide with the annual ATEC National Board Meeting. This provided a good opportunity for branch members to network with senior industry leaders who sit on the ATEC Board. From September 25 – 27th the ACT Branch held its annual ITO Famil to Canberra, with 15 ITOs in attendance. This coincided with ‘Floriade’, so visitors were able to see not only the full range of Canberra’s best attractions and accommodation but also the spectacular Floriade Festival.

Strategic workshop In September the Branch held a strategic workshop, led by John King, to look at ways for the Branch to move forward in 2009/10. The aims of the workshop were to 1) look at ways that ATEC can deliver outcomes for Canberra for

the international tourism market, and 2) to determine how ATEC can best serve the needs of the Canberra tourism community by assisting to grow international visitation. A group of 13 people representing a cross section of the tourist industry in Canberra took part in this one-day workshop. Following the workshop a strategic plan for the ACT branch will be delivered which takes into account the unique challenges faced by this region whilst delivering true-value services and events for ACT ATEC members. As part of this plan a number of networking events and functions will be planned for 2010. Jessica Maxfield ACT Branch Manager


North Queensland Our local committee has worked hard this year to fulfil its objectives of providing members with a vibrant and viable events program and promote membership.

Nth Qld ATEC Sydney Showcase February 2009 Our 10th annual showcase was held at the Sebel Pier One - a wonderful venue under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We had 55 ITO’s and 24 Suppliers representing our branch, ranging from the Whitsundays through to the Daintree. The tradeshow was in North-Queensland style, and after a productive afternoon of workshopping the lights of Sydney and the Harbour created a wonderful atmosphere as we caught up with new and old friends over a few drinks and nibbles.

Lawn Bowls Day July 2009 The annual Lawn Bowls day is always a sold-out event. Featuring 14 teams and 56 members, the bowls were rolled in a variety of ways, provoking lots of laughter, while the wide variety of team costumes made for a very enjoyable and fun-filled day.

A combined team of Ocean Hotels and Rydges took out the top prize, with the ‘Down Under Wonders’ coming runners-up. ‘Vision Vampires’ took out the award for Best Dressed Team, while Barbara Thomson from Tourism Palm Cove took out the award for Best-Dressed Player. It was a tight contest for the wooden spoon, with a play-off which saw the Adventure North team take the wooden spoon after narrowly losing to the Port Douglas Divas. Denis Ferguson won the ‘Biggest Stirrer’ award for the day.

Export Ready Seminars August 2009 In conjunction with TTNQ the ATEC NQ team ran a series of Export Ready seminars during August on Thursday Island, Horn Island, Bamaga, Mission Beach, Cairns Highlands, as well as a larger ‘How To...Seminar’ in Palm Cove featuring

Cinzia Burns as guest speaker. We were also party to an entertaining and lively YATEC debate on the topic ‘East vs West – where best to spend your marketing dollars?’ Thanks to Gary O’Riordan and Jen Woodbridge who attended these events.

October Annual Inbound Up North

We had 47 ITOs along with 60 suppliers enjoy our busy three-day event held in Palm Cove. Our welcome function was held at Sea Temple, our workshop day at the Novotel Palm Cove before enjoying a visit to the night zoo at Cairns Tropical Zoo with the help of Reef Magic.

The activity day saw four coaches travel to mystery destinations to sample local product. The farewell event saw more than 100 attendees


under a marquee, with a band and fantastic food stalls – thanks to the team from Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club.

This was a great event with excellent member feedback - one not to be missed next year!

Changes We welcome new Branch Chair Sharyn Brydon and new Committee members Ben Woodward and Gavin Weightman.

Thanks to our wonderful Committee, former Branch Chair Megan Bell, the YATEC NQ crew and to each of the ATEC members who attend and support our NQ events.

Shelley Griffiths Nth Qld Branch Manager


ATEC Financial Report 2008-2009 The financial year 2008-2009 for ATEC neatly held a mirror to the global financial situation. Revenue from our most important source, membership, exceeded targets from June to September 2008 and then ground to an almost dead stop in October. While the Member attrition-rate for the year was not much higher than average, the reasons for attrition were different, with business failure being far more prominent than usual. The environment also impacted our Corporate Partnership Program, with the overall loss of membership revenues of $110,000. The GFC impacted other smaller sources of revenue, including interest earned and branch events.

“The good news was that despite the particularly difficult year, we were able to contain our losses and maintain our cash reserves above the $500,000 mark that was identified by previous Boards

as an adequate level”

On the positive side, our national Meeting Place and Symposium events both returned strong results, which ameliorated some of the deterioration in membership revenues. Further, significant savings were made on the expenditure side of the budget. The cumulative impact of these measures was a budget deficit of $39,000 and net loss to the company of $4124. It should be noted that this loss included an extraordinary one-off unbudgeted expenditure of $25,000 to an external consultant. The consultant was engaged to guide the Board’s deliberations on the impact of the GFC on the company’s strategic plan. The good news was that despite the particularly difficult year, we were able to contain our losses and maintain our cash reserves above the $500,000 mark that was identified by previous

Boards as an adequate level of cash reserves. It should also be noted that this does not include a separate amount held against the Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel and Young ATEC of $35,000. New accounting measures dictate that they be reported separately from other accumulated reserves. As we are now well into the new financial year, it appears that the challenges are no less daunting than the past. In anticipation of maintenance of the difficult financial environment, the Board, guided by the Audit and Finance Committee, put a number of measures in place, including a freeze on membership fees, and monthly payment facility for members as well as measures in relation to staff costs.

The future Nevertheless, membership renewals continue to erode and it appears that this year this will flow through to National Events. Other mature forms of income, including interest earned, have also been significantly curtailed due to the operating environment. However, the news is not all negative. At the time of writing, new membership revenue was on target with budget and we are starting to earn good revenue from new services, including industry development, education and event management. There can be no doubt that the previous and current financial year has been difficult for ATEC, as they have been for all business entities. However the foresight of previous Boards in planning for troubled times have given the current Board and Management the security to meet the current challenges with confidence and optimism. Note: some figures in this report have been rounded.


ATEC National Board As of November 2008

Chairman

John King

Vice-Chair

Anna Guillan – Voyages Hotels and Resorts

ATEC Managing Director

Matt Hingerty

Supplier Member Representatives

Ron Livingston - Livingston Tourism Marketing

Jane McKeon - Qantas Airways

Mark Taylor - Accor Hospitality

John Sharpe - Riverlife Pty Ltd

ITO Member Representatives

Francis Wong - Encounter Australia

Inga Afheldt - ATS Pacific

Raymond Schleibs - Australian Tourism & Promotions

Bernard Whewell - Broome & the Kimberley Holidays

State Tourism Organisation CEO Forum Representative

Felicia Mariani - Tourism Tasmania

ATEC Branches Council Representative

Rob Sampson - Sampsons Direct Pty Ltd

Young ATEC Representative

Mark Phelps - Sita Coaches


ATEC Branch contacts NSW Branch Manager

Jessica Maxfield

Ph: 02 8262 5511

Email: [email protected]

Vic/Tas Branch Manager

Julie-Anne Rossetto

Ph:03 9397 7240


WA Branch Manager

Margaret R.Wilson

Ph: 08 9316 8505


SA Branch Manager

Kent Rossiter

Ph: 08 8331 1200


Sth Qld Branch Manager

Don Jolly

Ph: 07 5535 1289


ACT Branch Manager

Jessica Maxfield

Ph: 02 8262 5511


Nth Qld Branch Manager

Shelley Griffiths

Ph: 07 4053 5077


NT Central Branch Manager

Kent Rossiter

Ph: 08 8331 1200


NT Top End Branch Manager

Kent Rossiter

Ph: 08 8331 1200



ATEC Branch Committees

Vic/Tas Branch Committee

Aileen Cobern (Chair) Senior Director, Sales & Marketing, Choice Hotels Australasia

Maree Martin (Vice-Chair) Tourism Marketing Manager, Museum Victoria

Nadine Hutchins Marketing Manager, Puffing Billy Railway

Vicky Malcher General Manager Product The AOT Group

Gill Parssey Manager, International Industry Support , Tourism Tasmania

Yann Duroselle Executive General Manager, Batman's Hill Hotel

Mark Phelps Director of Sales and Marketing, Sita Coaches and Sunbus Airport Transfers

Brett Stanley Hospitality and Tourism Manager, De Bortoli Wines Ltd

Nick Ward Marketing Manager, Western Hemisphere, Tourism Victoria

NSW Branch Committee

Rob Sampson (Chair) Director Sampsons Direct Pty Ltd

Len Whittaker (Vice-Chair) Sales Manager Captain Cook Cruises

Shannon Bailey Director of Sales, Sydney Attractions Group

Nicole Braden Trade Services Specialist - International Markets, Tourism New South Wales

Anna Guillan (Board Mentor - NSW) Executive General Manager - Sales & Marketing Voyages Hotels & Resorts

Julieta Lopez (YATEC Representative) International Markets Coordinator Tourism NT - Sydney Office

Peter Townsend National Sales Manager Inbound/Sightseeing, AAT Kings

Russell Windebank Business Development Manager, Odyssey Travel

Greg Arnott General Manager Australia, ATS Pacific

Sarah Duthie International Sales Manager , Sydney Opera House

Grant Charlesworth Director of Sales and Marketing, Wild Escapes Australia - New Zealand


WA Branch Committee Meng Wong (Chair) Managing Director Blue Corporation Michelle Docherty (Vice-Chair) Director of Sales and Marketing InterContinental Burswood Perth Stephanie Lang Director of Sales and Marketing Seashells Hospitality Group Adam Barnard Managing Director Swan Gold Tours/Adams Coachlines Christine McLean Managing Director Perth Convention Bureau Jac Eerbeek Chief Executive Officer Australia's Golden Outback Jeromy Cotterill General Manager Goodearth Hotel/Perth, Ambassador Hotel Matt Walker Chief Executive Officer Geographe Bay Tourism Association Hilary Cobbett Contracts Manager Destinations of the World (Australia) Pty Ltd

Alana Pham General Manager - Corporate Affairs Perth Airport Bernard Whewell (National Board Mentor) Managing Director Broome and Kimberley Holidays Kate McCann-Phillips (YATEC Representative) Marketing and Project Coordinator Seashells Hospitality Group Rebecca Nicol (Tourism WA Representative) Director of International Marketing Tourism Western Australia

ACT Branch Committee

Brook Paulka (Chair) General Manager , All Seasons Olims Hotel Canberra

Kate Still Marketing Manager Australian War Memorial

Paul Taylor Manager Global Markets Australian Capital Tourism

John King (National Board Mentor) Chairman - ATEC


SA Branch Committee

Regina Twiss (Chair) Sales Director North Adelaide Heritage Group

Grant Burton (Vice Chair) General Manager Gray Line Adelaide

Caroline Densley Director Diverse Travel Australia

Francis Wong Managing Director Encounter Australia

Nicole Cain (YATEC Representative) Sales and Marketing Manager, Majestic Hotels

Rudi Francken Sales and Marketing Manager APT Kangaroo Island Odysseys

Steve Laybourn Director Marketing and Business Development , Hughes Chauffeured Limousine Cars & Coaches

Paul Victory Business Development Manager Sealink Travel Group

Michael Seeliger (ex-officio) International Sales Manager South Australian Tourism Commission

Chrissie Barry Sales Executive Majestic Hotels

Sth Qld Branch Committee

Narelle Eichorn (Chair) Director of Sales & Marketing, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts

David Cox (Vice-Chair) Manager, International & Niche Markets, Gold Coast Tourism Corporation

Lachlan Furnell Regional Sales Manager Sea Temple Resort & Spa

Peter Doggett (National Board Mentor)

Jim Kelly Owner/Operator Australian Whale Watching

Alison Saunders A/Inbound Co-ordinator Tourism Queensland

Chantal Dunbar Travelling in Australia Magazine

Anne-Marie Kerry HotelBeds

Nicole Randall Chief Executive Officer NRG Tourism

Pauline Tang The Ice


NT Top End Branch Committee

Brett Binns (Chair/Treasurer) NT Sales Manager Aussie Adventure

Fiona Pryde (Deputy Chair) General Manager Crown Plaza Darwin

Louise Kitchingham Hotel Sales Executive SKYCITY Darwin

Tony Clementson (Ex-Officio) General Manager , Tourism Top End

Matt Hingerty (National Board Mentor - Top End) Managing Director , ATEC

Carolyn Bird Inbound Manager Northern Gateway

Joy Eggenhiuzen International Markets Coordinator, Tourism NT

Nth Qld Branch Committee

Megan Bell (Chair) Director of Marketing Quicksilver Group

Sharyn Brydon General Manager - Western Markets, Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Greg Daven (YATEC Representative) International Sales Manager, Kuranda Scenic Railway

Andrew Dineen Project Manager Parker Travel Collection

Kellie Eustace General Manager Rydges Plaza Hotel Cairns

Angela Freeman Director of Marketing Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Michael Nelson Managing Director Etch Tourism Marketing

Sharon Livingston Director of Sales & Marketing Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

Ron Livingston (National Board Mentor - North Qld) Managing Director, Livingston Tourism Marketing

Paolo Gambino Director of Sales and Marketing Cairns Colonial Club & Palm Royale


NT Central Branch Committee

Wayne Thompson (Chair/Treasurer) Central Australian Manager, Cobb & Co. Coaches

Kelly Langhelt (Vice-Chair) Sales and Marketing Manager Anangu Waai!

Warwick Rock Regional Manager - Central Australia, Australian Pacific Touring

Mechelle Collins Director Finance, Sales and Marketing, Alice Springs Helicopters

Matt Hingerty (National Board Mentor - NT Central) Managing Director, ATEC

Sandy Osborn Partner Ossies Outback 4WD Tours

Julietta Lopez (YATEC Representative) International Markets Coordinator Tourism NT

Jo-anne Harkin Regional Director, Central Australia, Tourism NT


Young ATEC 2009 Branch reports

YATEC South Queensland The South East Queensland Young ATEC Branch committee has undergone a few changes in 2009. David Cox stepped down from the role of Chairperson and Sonya Mroz (Tweed Endeavour Cruises) and Michelle Speirs (IHG) have taken over the reins. We would like to acknowledge David for all of his hard work over past years, and with the new team we are planning some fantastic new developments and social activities! The National Development Program saw a record number of mentees apply, and we were blessed to have fantastic industry leaders offering their assistance as mentors. A special thank you goes to Don Jolly, Peter Doggert, Martin Winter, Andrew Sinclair, Donna Kerr, Gordon Price, David Cox, Michael Curtis, Ken Holmes, Erin Rolfe, Tianna Higginson, Nicole Randall and Kate Barr for supporting the leaders of tomorrow!

“The National Development Program saw a record number of mentees apply, and we were blessed to have fantastic

industry leaders offering their assistance as members”

Congratulations again to Sonya Mroz, who won the 2009 Len Taylor Young ATEC Award for Excellence. Sonya has just returned from London where she undertook work experience at Tourism Australia. Thank you to ATEC, Tourism Australia, Qantas and Accor for their support of this prize. What a great opportunity! Please check out our new Facebook page for event updates or on the ATEC website. Thank

you to everyone that has supported the South East Queensland YATEC branch over the past year and I look forward to increasing our membership and social events in 2010.

YATEC Western Australia The WA YATEC branch has gone from strength to strength this year. Our WA Branch Manager secured sponsorship from the Westralia Airports Corporation, enabling us to create the inaugural 2009 Perth Airport WA YATEC Scholarship – an opportunity for a YATEC member to attend the 2009 ATEC Symposium in Darwin in April. The scholarship covered return airfares, accommodation, meals and registration to Symposium and was an amazing prize, offering both involvement in this leading event and an exceptional learning experience about the inbound industry.

“The inaugural 2009 Perth Airport WA YATEC Scholarship – an

opportunity for a YATEC member to attend the 2009 ATEC Symposium”

In order to increase our student membership base, we also forged an affiliate membership with the Young Australians Tourism Association (YATA), a peak industry body representing tourism students in WA, to cross-promote events to each other’s databases. We also sponsored a Challenger TAFE Fremantle industry-awards night for Diploma of Hospitality Management students, giving away two free student memberships and receiving promotion throughout the night and membership-flyer distribution in attendee’s gift bags. We kicked off our regular networking events with a ‘YATEC Reconnect’ function early in the year at Novotel’s Fenians Bar. Following this we secured Hyatt’s Plain Street Bar as our monthly


venue, with discounted drinks for members. Held on the second Wednesday of every month, these ‘Hump-Day Happy Hour’ networking events are an ideal way for YATEC members to meet new people and make important industry contacts. Other events held this year included a WATE (Western Australian Tourism Exchange) Walk-Through in August in conjunction with Tourism WA, a great opportunity for members to experience a major Perth-based tourism trade event. Recently we held an Online Marketing Workshop with guest speaker Jesse Desjardin, Online Director from Global Gossip – a brilliant presenter, ensuring we came away full of marketing ideas and with a much better understanding of the online environment and the evolving distribution channels.

“We came away full of marketing ideas and with a much better understanding of the online

environment and the evolving distribution channels”

In November we hosted an end-of-year function on Rottnest Island, with ferry transfers and bike hire followed by drinks and nibbles at Hotel Rottnest. The YATEC National Development Program is progressing well and has been thoroughly enjoyed by both the applicants and mentors. We hope to increase participants next year for such a worthwhile program. The WA YATEC branch is extremely lucky to have such great support from Margaret Wilson, our WA Branch Manager. Margaret is a staunch believer in the youth of the industry and a tireless organiser, helping us to achieve bigger and better things. We are looking forward to all that 2010 brings with a growing membership, regular educational events and further professional development. Kate McCann-Phillips Chair, WA YATEC Committee

YATEC Victoria/Tasmania The YATEC Vic/Tas branch has had another great year, with more members, some new committee members as well as some more fun and educational events. Our first event in 2009 was again our social networking night at the Australian Open Tennis tournament. This is a popular event we have been able to run the past two years with the support of Tennis Australia, who provide us with 30 free ‘after-5’ Ground Passes to our members.


It was great to see that even though some members missed out on a free ticket they still came along to network in a casual fun atmosphere at one of Melbourne’s iconic events. Congratulations must be given to the Vic/Tas Nominee for the Len Taylor YATEC Award, presented at the ATEC Symposium in Darwin – Miss Stina Ohlden from Eureka Skydeck. Stina has done a great job at Eureka and has a bright future in the industry. Another highlight at Symposium was the YATEC evening function, which saw two Vic/Tas members battling it out for the major prize in the fun (and sometimes a little risqué) competition... names and photos are available to the highest bidder.

“In July we were lucky enough to have ATEC South Queensland Branch

Manager Don Jolly travel to Melbourne and present a ‘Kick-Start

Your Career’ Seminar to our members at the Melbourne 360 Observation

Deck”

In June ATE rolled into Melbourne, and we arranged two walkthroughs of the tradeshow floor for our YATEC members. This was a great experience for those members who unfortunately do not usually have the opportunity to attend ATE as a matter of course. YATEC Vic/Tas members also attended and helped out at the ATEC ATE drinks night held at BLVD Bar. In July we were lucky enough to have ATEC South Queensland Branch Manager Don Jolly travel to Melbourne and present a ‘Kick-Start Your Career’ seminar to our members at the Melbourne 360 Observation Deck. It was great to see quite a few new faces at this event, and everyone that attended - even the more experienced ones - did get a lot out of Don’s interactive presentation. In September, we had a walkthrough of the fantastic new Melbourne Convention Centre - the

first convention centre to be awarded a ‘6-Star Green Star’ environmental rating by the Green Building Council of Australia. The size of the centre was quite amazing, as was the amount of detail in the Green initiatives and technology they have in place. Afterwards we enjoyed drinks and tapas at the Sotano Bar at the brand new Hilton South Wharf.

“We are very happy to see 12 new YATEC members from Vic/Tas

undertake the National Development Program this year and wish them all

well”

We are very happy to see 12 new YATEC members from Vic/Tas undertake the National Development Program this year and wish them all well! To finish the year we are holding a Christmas party aboard Melbourne River Cruises on 17th December, with wine sponsored by De Bortoli. This will be a fantastic night, with food, drinks, music, games and prizes! This is an event not to be missed! We would love to see more new YATEC members for Vic/Tas at our events, so we encourage all ATEC companies to get their eligible staff to sign up! Mark Phelps Chair, Vic/Tas YATEC Committee

YATEC North Queensland In October 2008 an event was held at the Blue Sky Brewery to mark the reinvigoration of the YATEC Nth Qld Branch, with Michael Nelson taking over as new chair from Greg Daven. A networking drinks and nibbles event was held at the Brewery, with Robbie Bastion our ‘Industry Classic’ speaker.

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The first event on the Nth Qld YATEC calendar for 2009 saw the Branch meet at Paradise Palms’ newly-opened resort for a site inspection of the accommodation. This was followed by lunch where we heard Bill Calderwood speak in the ‘Industry Classic’ role. This was followed by networking drinks. In April Jana Stankovich was the NQ Branch nominee for the YATEC Len Taylor Award for Excellence, and she attended the ATEC Symposium in Darwin as a part of the award.

In June a ‘winter networking drinks and nibbles function’ was held in the back room of the Green Ant Cantina, a local Cairns pub / cafe. In a break from tradition and in a pointer to the future,

industry speaker Rhett Lego presented to us from Germany via Skype. Rhett was extremely entertaining and talked about some of his most famous campaigns, for example the ‘Jigsaw Campaign’ for Tourism Victoria. This was a great way for the young members of the industry to be able to chat with Rhett and hear his pearls of wisdom! In August, NQ YATEC capped off ATEC’s ‘How-to Seminar’ (held at Paradise Palms) with the Great Debate ‘East v West – Where to spend your marketing dollars’. Our two panels took a light-hearted look at the highs and lows of each market, and were judged by Cinzia Burns and Gary O’Riordon. In a nail-biting finish – the Eastern team took the title by just one point! In October the North Queensland YATEC branch saw three young local industry colleagues participate in the National Development Program.

YATEC South Australia The SA Young ATEC Committee has had a very productive 2009. A few changes to the Committee, a successful Mentoring program and some great networking events have ensured the SA Branch has survived a tough twelve months in the industry. Importantly, the SA YATEC Committee would like to thank Gemma Foord and Marc Leopold for their contributions to the Committee over the past few years. Whilst Gemma Foord still sits on the Committee, she has stepped down from her position of Chairperson. Marc has taken on a new role within the SATC - congratulations to Marc on his new role. The great thing is that we still see him at ALL YATEC events! It must be mentioned that Gemma’s hard work, passion and dedication to the growth of the SA Tourism Industry was evident in the effort she put into the SA Mentoring Program in 2008/09; her work was instrumental in getting this program


off the ground. She did everything from presenting the program to high-profile Mentors such as Andrew McEvoy, Bill Spurr, Robert Foord, Jeff Ellison and Chris Ehmann (to name just a few), then leading the Committee to follow it through to what was, and still is, a very successful Mentoring Program. In August 2009, at a lunch to celebrate the conclusion of the program, the Minister for Tourism the Hon. Dr Jane Lomax-Smith and SATC Chief Executive Andrew McEvoy both publicly thanked Gemma for her work. 2008/09 Mentoring Program With ten Mentoring relationships working smoothly during 2008/09, the program officially concluded at a lunch for all mentors and mentees at The Manse in North Adelaide. Each mentee was asked to say a few words about what they gained from the program. Mentees were presented with a certificate signed by Matt Hingerty, while all mentors received a bottle of Peter Lehmann’s ‘The Mentor’ as a thank-you for their involvement. All mentors have committed to backing up for the 2009-10 program, which is fantastic. Events It’s been a difficult year for the SA YATEC Social calendar with numbers somewhat down on previous years. The Branch launched the 2009/10 Mentoring Program on 29 September at the Intercontinental with guest speaker and mentor to spin-king Shane Warne, Terry Jenner. Recently, the Committee arranged a ‘mentee catch-up’ and we were very pleased to hear that all Mentees have all made contact with their Mentors. We are also all looking forward to a fantastic Christmas event in December at the Hotel Tivoli in Adelaide’s CBD. Our fingers are crossed that this event will end the SA Young ATEC year on a high! 2010 will be a huge year for the SA Branch of YATEC…

Kicking off the year on 17 February 2010 will be an event at the Adelaide Zoo in the new Panda enclosure, in front of Adelaide’s very own Pandas – Wang Wang and Funi! Dr Chris West will be speaking about the Pandas, Monarto Zoo developments and his exciting career to date. This event, due to its profile, will be held in conjunction with ATEC. Stay tuned for more information.


YATEC Student Mentoring Program Recognising that tourism students need the skills and contacts to stay involved in the local SA tourism industry, YATEC SA has introduced a Student Mentoring Program. The program has been well-received by Adelaide TAFE, Flinders University and University of SA (Adelaide campus). Targeting final-year students who are currently studying a Tourism/MICE related discipline, a group of 15 will be selected (via an application / interview process) and matched with a young individual currently employed in the tourism industry – such as YATEC Committee members. For a small annual fee per student, these entry-level individuals will gain knowledge, experience and contacts in the industry. Nicole Cain Chair, SA YATEC Committee

YATEC New South Wales Well 2009 was one busy year for the NSW branch! We started off with a new Chair and a refreshed team for our committee, which has in turn given us even more energy and passion to carry out our YATEC mission of providing support and guidance for young people in our industry. This year we have continued our focus on education as well as networking events. We believe that by providing forums to allow our members to interact and learn from established industry members that we will further empower and assist young people in developing their careers in the industry. Four key events were held throughout the year, thanks to our many industry supporters. Events included Darwin Symposium’s Mindil Beach Sunset Markets & Hot Potato night, with thanks to Adventure Tours; A Networking With A Twist function held at the Watershed Darling Harbour;

a famil to the Art Gallery of NSW (thanks to Molly Waugh and the Art Gallery’ for their support); and finally a networking function at Sydney Wildlife World, with thanks to Shannon Bailey and Sydney Attractions. In addition to the above events, the National Development Program has just finished its second year in this format, and I am pleased to report that it has been our most successful to date. The key sponsors who were involved included Tourism Australia, Tourism NSW, Hilton, APT and the Travel Industry Careers Association. This eight-week mentoring and educational program saw 27 participants in NSW and 35 interstate, all supported by industry mentors and speakers who donated their time and knowledge to these future leaders. Finally this year we had a wonderful blogger, Alice Terlikowski of TNT Magazine participating and blogging of her experience on www.thumbrella.com.au, which led to some interesting reads! NSW YATEC membership is on the rise, hitting 260 Branch members - which is on target. In particular, ATEC’s new backpacker membership category has contributed to this increase in the last few months. Our goals remain the same for 2010, with educational events a key part of our agenda. The Development Program will once again run from October to November. Watch this space for a brand new Mentoring Program and a range of forums and events giving our young people a voice. Catch us on www.yatec.net.au or NSW Young ATEC group on Facebook. Julieta Lopez Chair, NSW YATEC Committee

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2009 Len Taylor Young ATEC Award Winner What an amazing experience! As the 2009 Len Taylor Young ATEC Award winner, I recently had the opportunity of a lifetime to fly to London to be involved in work experience with Tourism Australia. I gained fantastic insight into the current trends, campaigns in market, issues and challenges in the United Kingdom and European markets, and how Tourism Australia are working towards their destination-marketing strategies. During my placement in the London office, I met with staff from Insights and Planning, Marketing, Distribution and Business Events to gain a greater understanding of how they work within Tourism Australia, but also integrate with STO’s and Trade agents. I also assisted the Marketing team on their Australian Working Holiday youth project, and conducted an audit of competitor destinations social activities. As I work in a small office and normally deal with Asian markets, it was a wonderful opportunity to learn a great deal about a new market in a relatively short time. A special thank-you to Rodney and his team at Tourism Australia, who all welcomed me into their office and shared their knowledge with me. I was lucky enough to tie in this trip with the Tourism New South Wales UK / Europe Road show where I represented Northern Rivers Tourism, making the experience even more valuable. Thank you so much to YATEC, ATEC, Tourism Australia, Qantas and Accor for making this amazing opportunity possible. It truly was a life-changing experience which I believe will be a turning point in my career. Thank-you to all of you for an unbelievable journey. With Thanks Sonya Mroz Tweed Endeavour Cruises


APT – a leader in sustainable tourism APT’s status as a tourism-industry leader has been confirmed by its Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge being awarded a Brolga in the Hosted Accommodation category at the NT Tourism Awards! Kings Canyon has also recently been accredited by EcoTourism Australia, providing travel agents and consumers alike with an assurance that APT is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability. APT’s small-group wilderness adventures in Western Australia and APT Kangaroo Island Odyssey 4WD tours are already certificated EcoTourism operations. The Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge was also accredited in the Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Program, administrated by Aboriginal Tourism Australia, for including a visit to an indigenous site on the Kings Creek Station. Exclusive Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Camp Experience APT will have exclusive access to Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Camp in Kakadu National Park next year. APT expects to offer the camp on some 18 different Northern Territory Short Break tours during the May-October season. Located at Cannon Hill, near Ubirr, exclusively on the Aboriginal land of Hawk Dreaming, the camp offers eight tented cabins (twin beds and fresh linen), shared facilities, choice of closed or open air bathroom featuring hot showers and flushing toilets, three-course dinner and hearty breakfast. With the permission of the traditional owners of Hawk Dreaming, APT customers will be able to explore many examples of ancient rock art and occupation sites. Connections – embracing sustainable tourism

Outback Offsets Carbon Pilot Project: Connections is one of three companies which continues to work with Tourism NT to implement a carbon pilot project, and is working towards its Central Australian operations soon becoming carbon neutral. Connections travellers also had the option of offsetting their carbon footprint created during their journey.

Vehicle Fleet replacement: Connections completed a total vehicle replacement program in 2009. The new vehicles, custom-designed Isuzu 550s, will cut approximately 12 tonnes of CO² per year from Connections’ fleet of12 Red Centre vehicles.

Alice Springs Solar Cities Project: Connections continues its participation in the Alice Springs’ Solar Cities programme, a Federal Government initiative which is trialling energy options to reduce greenhouse gases. This program will lead to increased energy and water efficiency, and the installation of solar panels ,new insulation and replacement taps and toilets.

At Connections’ private campsite on Murdudjurl land in Kakadu, travellers interact with land-owner Mandy Muir and learn how traditional indigenous Australians live, how to hunt and gather for food and weave a traditional bangle.


ATEC long-serving Members 30+ years contribution Arinex Pty Limited

AAT Kings Tours

Captain Cook Cruises

ID South Pacific

Australian Pacific Touring

Australian Farm Tourism Pty Ltd

20-29 years contribution Tourism Australia

Spirit of Tasmania

Southern World Australia

Tourism Queensland

Qantas Holidays Inbound

Tourism NT - Darwin Office

Tourism NT - Sydney Office

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Federal Group

Sofitel Wentworth Sydney

Pan Pacific Travel Australia Pty Ltd

The Menzies Sydney, An Accor Hotel

Murrays Coaches, Buses & Limousines - NSW

Tourism Western Australia

Tourism New South Wales

Tourism Victoria

Choice Hotels Australasia

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

The Hotel Windsor

Quality Hotel Cambridge

Cobb & Co Coaches - Melbourne

Quicksilver Group of Companies

Conrad Jupiters

Warner Village Theme Parks and Sydney Attractions Group

Tropic Wings Coach Tours

Sydney Opera House

ATS Pacific - Sydney

Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd

Australian International Hospitality Group

Dockside Group

Sovereign Hill

Taronga Zoo

Quadrant Australia Pty Ltd

Bay Village Tropical Retreat

Dreamworld

Sebel and Citigate King George Square Brisbane

Hamilton Island

Hertz Australia

Destination Cairns Marketing

Pacific International Hotel

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Sydney Showboats & Magistic Cruises

Gold Coast Tourism

JTB Australia Pty Ltd - Sydney

Bob Wood Cruise Group Pty Ltd

Rydges Tradewinds Cairns

Qantas Airlines

10-19 years contribution Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific

Lilianfels Blue Mountains

Orient Express Hotels

The Observatory Hotel

Gold Coast International Hotel

Mantra Group - NSW

Hunter Resort

Stamford Hotels and Resorts

Undara Experience

Rendezvous Observation City Hotel Perth

Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Historic Houses Trust of NSW

Warrook Cattle Farm

Cairns Reef Charter Services

Gold Coast Institute of TAFE

Australia New Zealand Travel Marketing

Great World Travel

DFS Australia Gold Coast

DFS Galleria Cairns

Ballooning With Hot Air

The Fraser Island Company

HWL Ebsworth Lawyers - NSW

Winglong Travel

InterContinental Hotels Group - NSW

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

Sofitel Brisbane

Constellation Hotel Group - Head Office

RACV Royal Pines Resort

Rydges Hotels & Resorts

Orpheus Island Resort

Sofitel Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Hilton Hotels Of Australia

The CENTRAL Group

Accor’s Darling Harbour Hotels

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Hayman

Best Western Australia

Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village

InterContinental Hotels Group - Sth Qld


ATEC long-serving Members 10-19 years contribution (cont) Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort

Mirvac Hotels Pty Ltd

Islander Resort Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort

Hilton Hotels of Australia - Cairns

The Sebel Cairns

Voyages Hotels and Resorts

Palm Royale Cairns

Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas

Accor Hospitality

Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort

InterContinental Hotels Group - Nth QLD

Stamford Grand Adelaide

Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef

Hyatt Regency Adelaide

Hilton Adelaide

Pullman Cairns Reef Casino

Trailfinders/Bloomfield Rainforest Lodge

Innkeepers Marketing Pty Ltd

Queenslander Hotels - Cairns

Lasseters Hotel Casino

Novotel Rockford Palm Cove Resort

Cable Beach Club Resort Broome

Choice Hotels Australasia - NSW

Crowne Plaza Canberra

Couran Cove Island Resort

Star City Hotel and Apartments

InterContinental Hotels Group - NT

Rydges Melbourne

SKYCITY Darwin Pty Ltd

The Grace Hotel

YHA Australia

Accor's Brisbane Hotels

Novotel Langley Perth

Novotel Brighton Beach

The Elandra Mission Beach

Bayview International Hotels & Resorts

O'Reillys Rainforest Guesthouse

Aurora - Hotels - Resorts - Attractions

Mercure Hotel Harbourside Cairns

Novotel Darwin Atrium

EcoPoint Resorts

Rendezvous Hotels Australia

Radisson Resort Gold Coast

The Reef Retreat

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts

Rydges Oasis Resort Caloundra

Park Hyatt Sydney

Citigate Perth

Grand Hotels International

Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart

Surfers Aquarius

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel

Chateau Yering

Bayview Eden Melbourne

Desert Cave Hotel

Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel

Swissotel Sydney

Villa San Michele

Royal Woods Resort

BIG4 Holiday Parks

Sydney Airport Corporation

Brisbane Airport Corporation Limited

Cockington Green

Cairns Tropical Zoo

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Tropical Fruit World

Sydney Attractions Group

Australian Institute of Sport

Melbourne Observation Deck

Puffing Billy Steam Railway

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Phillip Island Nature Park

National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

BridgeClimb

A Maze 'n' Things

Domaine Chandon

ANZ Stadium

Melbourne Aquarium

Museum Victoria

Coral Princess Cruises

Sunlover Reef Cruises

Captain Cook Cruises SA - PS Murray Princess

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

Melbourne River Cruises

Fantasea Adventure Cruising

Reef Magic Cruises

Summit Restaurant

Hard Rock Cafe Surfers Paradise

J&J O'Brien

Tourabout Adelaide

General Travel Australia

Northern Gateway

Jade Express Travel

Goway Travel

Kintetsu International Express - Oceania Pty Ltd

Globus & Cosmos Tours

Experience Tours Australia A Division of AOT Inbound Pty Ltd

Australian Tours Management Pty Ltd

Abercrombie & Kent

Encounter Australia Pty Ltd.


ATEC long-serving Members 10-19 years contribution (cont) Terra Nova Coach Tours Pty Ltd

AOT Inbound

Around Australia Tour Service

Transglobal Tournet Australia

Accommodation Down Under

ERM Travel Service BNE Pty Ltd

Time Travel Pty Ltd

Jalpak International Oceania Pty Ltd

Australian Vacations

Nippon Travel Agency - NSW

Holiday Pacific - Surfers Paradise

Finesse South Pacific Travel

Southern Travelnet Pty Limited

Golden World Travel

Lawand Tourism

Beehive Australian Inbound Tour Service

China Travel Service (Aust)

Pacific Spirit Travel

Lion International Travel Service Pty Ltd

Wel-Travel Australia Pty Ltd

All Pacific Travel Concept

PTC Express Travel

GTA Australasia

Eversun Tours & Travel

Odyssey Travel

China International Travel Service

Hung Ta Travel

Tranquil Travel Service

Discover Australia Holidays/Discover West

Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Townsville Enterprise Limited

Brisbane Marketing

Leeton Tourism

Great Southern Touring Route

Central Coast Tourism Inc.

Port Stephens Tourism Limited

Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism

Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism Board

Tourism Sunshine Coast

Bathurst Regional Council and the Visitor Information Centre

Hunter Regional Tourism Organisation

Tourism Whitsundays

Mildura Tourism Inc.

Tourism Wollongong

DFS Australia Sydney

Altmann & Cherny Pty Ltd

Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre

South Australian Tourism Commission

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority

Tourism Tasmania

Australian Capital Tourism

Outback Ballooning Pty Ltd

Sita Coaches Pty Ltd

Gray Line Melbourne

State Transit Authority

Crowthers Coaches

Down Under Tours Australia

Connections

SeaLink Travel Group

QR (Queensland Rail)

THL Rentals

Exceptional Kangaroo Island

Territory Thrifty Car Rental - NT

Luxury Personalised Tours (Lygon Limousines)

Australian Pacific Touring - Melbourne

CountryLink

APT Kangaroo Island Odysseys

Great Southern Railway

Waratah Adventure Tours

Coachtrans Australia

Murrays Coaches, Buses & Limousines - QLD

Mount'N Beach Safaris Pty Ltd

Adventure Tours Australia

Australian Wild Escapes

Unique Australian Holidays

Wooroonooran Safaris

Pro Dive Cairns

Murrays Coaches, Buses & Limousines - ACT / VIC

Gray Line Sydney

Metro Monorail & Metro Light Rail

Billy Tea Bush Safaris

Exportise

JMD Ross Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd

Parker Travel Collection

HWL Ebsworth Lawyers – QLD


North Queensland Branch: ATEC Inbound Up North – ‘on the army duck tour at Rainforestation Kuranda’

North Queensland Branch: ATEC Inbound Up North – ‘thinking about ATV riding at Blazing Saddles’

North Queensland Branch: Vision Vampires team – Barefoot Bowls Day Jul 09

North Queensland Branch: Sydney Showcase February 2009

North Queensland Branch: Sydney Showcase February 2009

North Queensland Branch: Za from Skysafari showing her style at Barefoot Bowls, July 2009


Western Australian Branch: Annual General Meeting


Western Australian Branch:






NT Central Branch: Annual General Meeting; (L to R) Kent Rossiter (Branch Manager); Kelly Langhelt (Deputy-Chair); Wayne Thompson (Chair)

South Australian Branch: On board The Ghan to Darwin (L to R) Anneli Buehrle (Terra Nova); Cheryl Ahyick Wong (AOT); Julieta Lopez (Tourism NT); Renee Goode (GSR)

Australian Capital Territory Branch: Group shot during a famil

South Australian Branch: Pacific Spirit Travel staff famil at Arkaroola Resort & Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders ranges of SA.

South Australian Branch: Afroditi Magoulianos accepts the SA Branch Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of her parents Bill and Kathy.


Vic/Tas YATEC Branch: Australian Open Tennis networking event


NSW YATEC Branch: YATEC Development Program 2009 Launch Evening – Hilton Sydney



NSW YATEC Branch: YATEC National Event at Symposium Darwin – Mindal Markets Meet up


NSW YATEC Branch: YATEC Development Program NSW Graduates 2009

NSW YATEC Branch: YATEC NSW Art Gallery of NSW – After-hours Event

NSW Branch: 2009 ITO Masterclass – Eastern

NSW YATEC Branch: YATEC Networking with a Twist event

NSW Branch: 2009 ITO Masterclass - Eastern

NSW Branch: 2009 Luxury Product Famil workshop; Anneli, Sandra, Katja, Josephine and Annika


NSW Branch: 2009 Luxury Product Famil workshop; Michelle, Graziella and Jeannie

NSW Branch: 2009 AGM/Trivia Night

Symposium 2009: Corporate Partner Golf Day



Symposium 2009: Sunset scene at the Backpacker Conference outdoor dinner


Symposium 2009: Hard at work during the business-to-business workshops

Symposium 2009: The ‘ATEC Army’ eye up a potential new recruit

Symposium 2009: ATEC MD Matt Hingerty about to jump into the crocodile enclosure

Symposium 2009: Pre-dinner drinks at the Destination Showcase

Symposium 2009: The Destination Showcase was considered a great success by all

Symposium: Captain Trevor Haworth is escorted to the stage to accept his ATEC Life Membership

atec yearbook 2009

Documents

future atec

environment atec

atec branch committees

atec financial report

isle atec symposium

atec state branch updates

young atec branch reports

atec national board