Bellarine showcased during Australian Tourism Exchange

INTERNATIONAL tourism buyers have experienced some of the best of the Bellarine during the 44th edition of the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE).

The event, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 19 to yesterday (Thursday, May 23), provided international buyers with the opportunity to experience some of Australia’s tourism offerings first-hand.

Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria partnered to arrange a visit to Geelong and the Bellarine, with the aim that the delegates would market Victoria more effectively after a first-hand experience.

As part of the event, 71 delegates from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India had lunch at Q Train followed by a demonstration and dessert at Tarra at Searoad Ferries.

Participating Geelong and the Bellarine operators at ATE included Curlewis Golf Club, GMHBA Stadium, and Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine.

Curlewis Golf Club general manager Jamie Brigden said it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase their new accommodation offerings.

“We have been hosting a number of tour operators that come from overseas to attend.

“It’s been great to have the opportunity to show them around our venues.”

Curlewis Golf Club opened their $20 million 60-room, 126-bed redevelopment in 2022.

Guests included representatives from Chan Brothers in Singapore, Apple Vacations in Malaysia, and Thomas Cook in India.

This is the first time ATE has been hosted in Victoria since 2015.