Australian Tourism Exchange

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:22): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Can the minister inform the chamber about the exceptional effort made to showcase and sell South Australia to the world at the recent Australian Tourism Exchange in Perth?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:23): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in the tourism industry. The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) rotates around the nation and this year it was held in Perth. We had 35 South Australian operators who exhibited in the South Australia area. Six of these companies were Adelaide Hills Tourism, Barossa Taste Sensations, Oceanic Victor, Escapegoat Adventures, South Australian Tours and Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tours.

There were a further 15 operators, which I think is recognition of our great industry, located in the national area of ATE, businesses such as d'Arenberg, which exhibited under the Ultimate Wineries of Australia. We had more than 2,000—

The Hon. K.J. Maher: Do you know a South Australian wine won wine of the year?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Which one?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: It was Wild Witch.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Of course, I shouldn't respond.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: I could sit down.

The PRESIDENT: These are very valid questions you can ask in question time tomorrow, Leader of the Opposition.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: And I will be happy to answer them.

The PRESIDENT: Let the minister complete.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: More than 2,000 meetings were held between South Australian operators and travel agents and tour operators. The sentiment was very positive among the South Australian tourism operators. On Monday 8 April, the SATC held an exclusive networking function for invited overseas wholesalers and South Australian operators. Over 200 people attended a South Australian barbecue and were treated to South Australian food and beverages, including the magnificent Mayura Station wagyu beef. I repeat: the magnificent Mayura Station wagyu beef. South Australian artist Ashley Gale performed on the night. Many people commented on the quality of the food and the wine. It was an excellent relaxed and casual atmosphere, perfect for networking.

The SATC also participated in a happy hour on the trade show floor on Thursday 11 April, when 1,800 Coffin Bay oysters were served, along with Woodside cheese and five spectacular varieties of South Australian gin. This was the 40^th year of ATE and in total over 1,400 sellers from 546 tourism companies were there.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Point of order: the question was about a tourism event, not about the oysters or wagyu beef that was on offer.

The PRESIDENT: The minister has leeway. He has not strayed into the realm of irrelevance yet.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Thank you, Mr President. Can I just repeat this sentence: this was the 40^th year of ATE and there were over 1,400 sellers from 546 tourism companies, along with 600 travel buyers representing 500 companies from 30 countries. Anecdotally, many people commented that the ATE in Adelaide last year was still a standout, as we incorporated the welcome function into Tasting Australia.

I was thrilled to be part of yet another ATE where operators did an exceptional job selling the plethora of unique and high-quality products and experiences our great state has to offer. We know that one of South Australia's major strengths is food and wine and the state again showcased that beautifully. I thank the South Australian industry for making the investment to be involved in this year's ATE and thank Tourism Australia for another fantastic event, as well as the hardworking team at the South Australian Tourism Commission.