The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), in partnership with Destination NSW and Visit Canberra, delivered Explore NSW & ACT in the Southern Highlands from 18-19 August 2025.
ATEC is the peak industry body representing Australia’s tourism export sector. It brings together buyers and sellers via commercially-focused industry events, and delivers structured development pathways that grow Australia's offering of internationally-ready, distribution-ready, trade-ready products.
Held at the Park Proxi Gibralter Bowral, Explore NSW & ACT included a welcome function, appointments between ATEC buyer and seller members and networking opportunities. An evening networking function also showcased Southern Highlands producers.
ATEC seller members from NSW and ACT and buyers from across Australia participated in the event, with 48 NSW visitor economy businesses participating as sellers alongside 32 travel buyers.
Destination NSW supported eight NSW visitor economy businesses to attend Explore NSW & ACT for the first time, via its New Product Pathway. The New Product Pathway provided the businesses with an opportunity to develop and strengthen their relationships with key distributors.
Four NSW businesses with Aboriginal tourism products were also supported by Destination NSW to attend the event as sellers via the NSW ATEC Aboriginal Trade Development program.
Following the event, Destination NSW held a famil in the Southern Highlands, with 10 travel buyers experiencing export-ready businesses including Canyonleigh Retreat, Bowral Bees and Sydney Bespoke Tours.
