Activity tour company Western Travel Bug has been a part of the Australian Tourism Exchange for almost a decade, and the company’s managing director, Brian Anderson, says ATE 05 in Perth couldn’t have come at a better time.
He believes world markets are looking to kick-start tourism again after several years in the doldrums following events such as 9/11, SARS and the Bali bombings.
“And it is easier to start in a new market rather than trying to re-establish in an old market,” Mr Anderson said.
This is where WA will profit, according to Mr Anderson, who said for many years the focus on Australian tourism by international operators had been on the east coast and theme parks.
“But they want something new and different, and that is where WA comes in,” he said.
Western Travel Bug will use ATE 05 to confirm several existing contracts, and more importantly to show the world what WA has to offer.
“We go to sell WA, not just our products,” Mr Anderson said. “It is something you work on for years and years to get results. If this year is a company’s first ATE, they shouldn’t expect new business, just the chance to experience it and meet people.”
Western Travel Bug has more than 100 13-minute bookings with program designers from international tourism companies during the week.
Mr Anderson will start each day of the ATE at 7am with appointments starting an hour later.
“There are coffee breaks every two hours and lunches and dinners on most days,” he said. “We also put on a happy hour at day’s end with WA wines, beers, and foods, including steak and seafood.”
ATE isn’t so much about monetary transactions, he said, but rather the personal contacts to be made.
“It is about getting on companies’ databases, like Qantas and Singapore Airlines, and then into their magazines,” Mr Anderson said.
“Airlines bring the tourists to us and have in recent times rearranged schedules into Perth, and are now utilising us more and more. Therefore it is important to work with them.”
