Sydney will host the country’s biggest annual tourism trade event in 2027, with Tourism Australia confirming that the Australian Tourism Exchange will return to the Harbour City.
The announcement lands at a pivotal moment for New South Wales’ visitor economy, as the state gears up for a wave of major infrastructure and global events—including the long-anticipated opening of Western Sydney International Airport later this year and Australia’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
The Australian Tourism Exchange serves as Australia’s premier tourism marketplace, bringing together international travel buyers and local operators to broker deals and promote experiences to global audiences.
This year’s edition drew more than 2,900 delegates from over 32 countries, underscoring its scale and influence across the sector.
Showcasing Sydney—and beyond
When it arrives in Sydney, ATE27 will put a spotlight not just on the city’s headline attractions—from its harbour icons to its dining scene—but also on the breadth of regional NSW, from wine country to coastal escapes and outback adventures.
Sydney Airport has just recorded its strongest first quarter for international travel on record, while Newcastle Airport is expanding its international capacity. Meanwhile, Western Sydney International Airport is preparing to operate around the clock from October 2026—positioning NSW as one of the most accessible gateways into Australia.
Backed by government and industry
Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said Sydney would be a fitting host following this year’s event in South Australia. “South Australia has done a wonderful job hosting ATE this year and Sydney—home to so many iconic experiences—will be an excellent host next year,” he said.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said securing ATE was a strategic win for the state’s long-term visitor economy ambitions. “The Australian Tourism Exchange 2027 will showcase the incredible diversity of experiences our state has to offer to hundreds of local and international buyers,” he said.
“Securing the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest international tourism conference for NSW will play a key role in the Minns Labor Government achieving its goal of $91 billion in visitor economy expenditure by 2035.”
Driving long-term growth in NSW
Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack pointed to the event’s long-standing role in driving inbound tourism, with ATE running for nearly five decades. “These face-to-face meetings have strengthened relationships to deliver a pipeline of forward business that contributes to the continued sustainable growth of the Australian tourism sector,” he said.
Tourism Australia will deliver ATE27 in partnership with Destination NSW, with the event expected to once again take over ICC Sydney—transforming the harbourfront into a hub for international dealmaking and a launchpad for Australia’s next wave of travel experiences.
