The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) recognised outstanding achievement across Australia’s tourism export industry at the ATEC Tourism Export Awards, held during Meeting Place 2025.

The awards honoured individuals and organisations whose leadership, collaboration and innovation strengthen Australia’s international tourism reputation.

ATEC said the award recipients not only drove success within their own businesses but also lifted those around them as contributors, mentors and outstanding champions of the industry’s growth and excellence.

NSW winners included the recipient of the Len Taylor Young ATEC Award for Leadership, Sydney Opera House Business Development Manager Catherine Hughes; while Supplier of the Year (Tours/Attractions/ Activities) went to AEA Luxury Tours

All the award winners

  • Captain Trevor Haworth Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Export Industry -Robbie Bastion
  • Len Taylor Young ATEC Award for Leadership - Catherine Hughes, Sydney Opera House
  • Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to ATEC - Tim Parsons, Curringa Farm
  • Buyer of the Year (Eastern) - Australia and Beyond Holidays
  • Buyer of the Year (Western) - Across Australia
  • Supplier of the Year (Accommodation) - IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Supplier of the Year (Tours/Attractions/Activities) - AEA Luxury Tours
  • Richard Beere ELITE Award for Graduate of the Year - Kim Brown, Australia’s North West Tourism
  • ATEC Region of the Year - South Queensland

Meeting Place also provided the opportunity to celebrate the graduation of 40 emerging leaders from ATEC’s ELITE Program, marking the program’s eighth year of developing the next generation of tourism industry professionals. Participants completed a rigorous program combining leadership training, mentoring, and project work designed to strengthen industry capability and resilience.

ATEC Chair Richard Doyle said: “These awards celebrate the very best of our inbound industry; the innovators, the connectors, and the passionate professionals and teams who continue to elevate Australia’s reputation as a world-class destination.

“We are also incredibly proud of our ELITE Program graduates, whose drive and professionalism represent the next generation of leadership within our industry, helping to shape a more capable and connected tourism future."

Destination NSW attends Meeting Place 2025


ATEC Meeting Place is an annual three-day trade event for the Australian inbound tourism industry, featuring business-to-business appointments, a conference, networking events and a gala celebration.

It connects Australian tourism suppliers with international buyers to foster business relationships and grow the sector.

Destination NSW was proud to attend Meeting Place 2025, which provided an opportunity to connect with more than 500 delegates, including around 120 travel buyers from markets including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Singapore and New Zealand.

ATEC also announced that Meeting Place 2026 will be held in Hobart from 26-28 October 2026, continuing the event’s tradition of connecting Australia’s tourism industry leaders and international partners in destinations across the country.