Adelaide to host top global adventure travel summit

Hundreds of adventure tourism specialists from around the world will descend on South Australia next year, with Adelaide set to host the 2020 Adventure Travel World Summit.

Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham said the summit would give South Australia the opportunity to show-off its vast array of unique adventure tourism experiences.

"Whether it be shark diving in Port Lincoln, mountain biking in the Flinders Ranges or sandboarding on Kangaroo Island, these global adventure lovers will be treated to some of the very best adventure tourism experiences on offer," Minister Birmingham said.

"This is a huge opportunity to show the world adventure tourism industry why South Australia is emerging as a hotspot for outdoor and nature-based activities, so they go back home and recommend Australia to their networks and clients.  

"There is a growing appetite amongst the modern traveller for unique and thrilling tourism experiences, and there is no doubt Australia, and in particular South Australia, is well-positioned to capitalise on this.

"We also know adventure travellers spend more, travel further and seek out regional locations, and that's why we want Australia to take advantage of this type of traveller."  

South Australian Minister for Tourism David Ridgway said the Marshall Liberal Government is thrilled to welcome this important tourism industry event to Australian shores, and in particular, to South Australia.

"We are fortunate to have such a rich and diverse tourism offering that provides quality adventure travel experiences to the international market. The Adventure Travel World Summit is a fantastic opportunity to put South Australia 'on the map' with global sellers from the US and UK markets," Minister Ridgway said.

"The UK and US markets are important drivers of regional tourism in our state because they love the great outdoors and enjoy getting off the beaten track and into the regions such as the Flinders Ranges & Outback, Riverland and Eyre Peninsula.

"We are absolutely committed to growing visitation to our state from the UK and US and we must capitalise on every opportunity we have to promote South Australia to global sellers, and the ATWS is a great example of that."

The Adventure Travel World Summit will take place from 6 to 9 October 2020 and will be delivered by Adventure Travel Trade Association's (ATTA) in partnership with Tourism Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission. The familiarisation program will be supported by additional State and Territory tourism partners offering adventures across the country.

Tourism Australia will also host a dedicated Australia Marketplace Day prior to the summit commencing, which will bring together 100 of the key international buyers and media partners with 100 Australia tourism sellers, to showcase Australia's diverse premium adventure tourism products and regions.

More information on the summit is available at https://www.adventuretravel.biz/events/summit/australia-2020/