Steve Cooper (CEO SCDL), Martin Ferguson (Minister for Tourism AM MP), Felicia Mariani (Managing Director ATEC), John King (Chair of ATEC)

The spotlight was firmly on the Sunshine Coast last week as the region hosted over 350 inbound tourism operators and tourism professionals for the 35th Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Symposium.

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) won the right to host the three day program on the Sunshine Coast and the organisation’s CEO, Steve Cooper, said the event provided a tremendous opportunity for key tourism sellers and industry to visit the region and experience the products it offers.

“For the first time, delegates enjoyed an exciting new addition to the program format with a Destination Showcase breakfast event featuring a colourful explosion of entertainment, attractions, diversity of local cuisine, artisans and demonstrations,” he said.

“Collectively we have worked with our local surf lifesaving club to construct a mock surf rescue with the chopper. The surf movement is such an important part of the Sunshine Coast culture to showcase.

“Local cuisine and crafts by Seasons of the Sun, Eumundi Markets and Noosa Farmers Market provided a colourful display while a flash mob dance performance on the beach wowed the delegates.

“The Sunshine Coast boasts over 100 kilometres of sandy beaches which makes the setting at Noosa Main Beach the perfect stage to showcase the region’s naturally refreshing lifestyle,” he said.

Symposium 2012 featured plenary sessions, supplier workshops, a golf day and a gala dinner at Coolum Golf and Spa resort, a dedicated backpacker conference and Australian Youth Tourism Exchange at Novotel Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast ‘Dine Around’ program, Destination Showcase and a pre and post familiarisation program.

Visit: www.atec.net.au for more information on the 2012 conference program.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management

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