Dreamtime 2015, Tourism Australia’s biannual incentive product showcase, kicked off this week in Adelaide.
More than 100 buyers and media have descended on the South Australian city to take part in activities centred on the region's status for gourmet wining and dining.
The first two days of the five-day showcase highlighted incentive attractions such as visits to local wineries in the South Australia region along with venues promoted by the Adelaide Convention Bureau. Delegates will spend the remaining days on educational visits to other Australian destinations.
Adelaide Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer, Damien Kitto said, “flawless events, offering genuine hospitality, outstanding fresh local food accompanied by some of the world’s best wine are all hallmarks of Adelaide and its business events industry."
Tourism Australia’s Deputy CEO, Frances-Anne Keeler said it was the first time Dreamtime had been held in South Australia.
“We are very excited to be hosting Dreamtime in Adelaide for the first time to highlight Australia’s strengths as a business events destination,” Keeler said. “The unprecedented level of business events infrastructure the city is undergoing, coupled with the strong food and wine heritage of South Australia, means our hosted buyers and media will have a truly unique experience.”
Following Monday’s official opening, business sessions allowed buyers to meet and network with local providers from around the region. Tasting activities supplemented sessions in the afternoon, offering delegates the chance to experience the underground cellars of Adelaide’s famous Penfolds Magill Estate.
“South Australia is renowned for producing incredible food and wine. The convenience of Adelaide and its surrounds, and the enviable lifestyle we enjoy has been globally recognised. In hosting Dreamtime we want to welcome guests to our home and also show them that when it comes to delivering outstanding business events, our local industry is second to none," said Kitto.
Adelaide welcomed 631,000 business event delegates in 2014 with revenue of A$2.5bn – an eight per cent increase on the previous year. Hosted every two years, Dreamtime 2013 was hosted in Melbourne, with additional visits to Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast, the Northern Territory and Sydney.
