Adelaide will host the 46th Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) from 10 to 14 May 2026 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, drawing over 2,500 tourism leaders and delegates from more than 30 countries. As Australia’s largest tourism trade event, ATE 2026 is expected to greatly boost South Australia’s visitor economy and strengthen the city’s position in global tourism strategy. The event will spotlight Adelaide’s luxury hotels, cultural attractions, and collaborative industry partnerships. Further event highlights and economic impacts are outlined in subsequent sections.
Adelaide will serve as the host city for the 46th edition of the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in 2026, with the event scheduled to take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Sunday, 10 May to Thursday, 14 May. This marks Adelaide’s return as host, having last welcomed ATE in 2018.
ATE is recognized as Australia’s largest and most prestigious tourism trade event, drawing approximately 2,500 tourism industry leaders and delegates from over 30 countries. The event is organized by Tourism Australia in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission, highlighting the city’s growing importance in the national tourism strategy. As the 46th edition of ATE, the event will facilitate appointments and networking among Australian businesses and global partners, further cementing Adelaide’s role as a hub for international tourism collaboration.
Hosting ATE 2026 is expected to provide a significant boost to the local visitor economy, positioning South Australia on the global stage and offering extensive opportunities for international exposure. The event is designed to foster long-term trade relationships within the tourism sector through scheduled business-to-business appointments and targeted networking events. Thousands of delegates are expected to attend ATE 2026, ensuring substantial economic impact and broad international attention for Adelaide.
ATE 2026 will elevate South Australia’s global profile and drive growth by connecting tourism leaders through impactful networking and business opportunities.
Delegates will experience South Australia’s luxury accommodations, vibrant food and wine scene, and renowned cultural attractions, including the Botanic Gardens and high-profile festivals such as the Adelaide Fringe.
Recent tourism successes in Adelaide, such as securing direct flights to the United States and drawing 1.4 million visitors to the Chihuly exhibition, underscore the city’s readiness to capitalize on the attention that ATE brings.
Hosting previous conferences like ATEC Meeting Place 2023 and Tourism Australia’s Dreamtime 2023 further demonstrates Adelaide’s capacity to deliver major international events. The event will also benefit from global media coverage, expanding the reach of local tourism campaigns such as “Celebrate the Simple Pleasures.”
Through its partnership approach, ATE 2026 will facilitate collaborations between Tourism Australia, local operators, and international buyers, helping to strengthen South Australia’s tourism industry for future growth.
The focus on showcasing natural wonders, new luxury hotels, and diverse visitor experiences aligns with the region’s ongoing strategy to attract more international visitors and investment. The event is anticipated to stimulate further tourism sector expansion, reinforcing Adelaide’s status as a bold and capable host on the global tourism calendar.
