Bundaberg Tourism and multiple Bundaberg trade-ready tourism operators showcased their world-class experiences at the ATEC Queensland Showcase and New Product Workshop in Sydney on 11 and 12 March 2025.
The ATEC Queensland Showcase, hosted in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), plays a crucial role in introducing fresh tourism products to the global market, and comprises a New Product Workshop, a full day of business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking opportunities for buyers and sellers to strengthen connections.
Bundaberg Tourism’s Trade & Industry Development Executive, Loni Hammond, represented the Destination as well as supported new-to-international-trade product operators C Bargara Resort and Monsoon Aquatics and established businesses Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort and NRMA to connect with key international trade buyers and expand their market reach.
During the New Product Workshop, Monsoon Aquatics' coral farm tour attracted significant interest due to its unique reef restoration and coral education experiences, while C Bargara Resort stood out as international buyers sought expanded accommodation options in the region.
Loni Hammond then represented the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) destination in over 30 appointments with inbound tourism buyers from across Australia in partnership with our Regional Tourism Organisation partners from Capricorn and Gladstone.
Discussing market trends, Loni shares that “the European markets are particularly interested in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, as they seek immersive nature and wildlife experiences. While international recovery from the pandemic is still progressing, it’s essential that we keep the SGBR front of mind for these long-haul markets.”
Bundaberg Tourism CEO Katherine Reid added, “The continued participation of Bundaberg’s tourism operators in global trade events like the ATEC Queensland Showcase ensures that the Southern Great Barrier Reef remains a must-visit destination for international travellers, offering unforgettable experiences that celebrate our natural wonders and local expertise.”
About The ATEC Queensland Showcase
The ATEC Queensland Showcase aligns with the Towards Tourism 2032 Strategy, which identifies international tourism recovery and growth as a key driver in achieving Queensland’s target of $44.4 billion in overnight visitor expenditure. Over the past two and a half years, the Queensland Regional Tourism Network (QRTN) has supported international trade readiness through strategic projects, mentoring hundreds of operators across the state.
As part of these efforts, Bundaberg Tourism has assisted 12 local operators in 2024/25 in understanding and developing tourism distribution strategies, growing the region’s tourism trade portfolio to 25 export-ready products.
Click the link below to learn more about the Destination’s Tourism Trade Distribution: https://www.bundabergregion.org/corporate/partnership-toolkit/trade-distribution
