My ATE Invitation to Perth
(26 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Shel Hansen
La Crosse, WI
Premier Aussie (Destination) Specialist
During my 30 years in the travel industry, I have been an Aussie Specialist for 21 of them. With my sales experience, extra-curricular (Aussie-related) activities, including hosting and conducting annual Aussie Nights and other Australia events, I...
During my 30 years in the travel industry, I have been an Aussie Specialist for 21 of them. With my sales experience, extra-curricular (Aussie-related) activities, including hosting and conducting annual Aussie Nights and other Australia events, I have earned my way to the top and am a Premier Aussie Specialist as well. Having visited Australia on a regular basis (eight times) and experiencing different areas each time, makes me a great resource for you. Whether your travel plans include a “liveaboard” diving experience, visiting some of the world’s oldest trees in the rainforest, a hot air balloon ride, an Aboriginal experience in the Outback, holding a 20- foot python, a private surfing lesson, a private yachting experience, an overnight at your favorite winery, blending wine at Penfolds Winery, swimming with sharks, holding a Koala or just spending a quiet day at the beach, I can help turn these dreams into reality and I would love to help you plan your trip of a lifetime down under!! Added to that, I am a Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist and a Master Cruise Counselor. I have also traveled to New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti several times and know that I have the qualifications to help you plan your dream trip!
Notice the rare white kangaroos
Because I am not only an Aussie Specialist, but have also earned my Premier Aussie Specialist Designation and am recognized by Tourism Australia and Travel 2 (formerly Qantas Vacations), I do receive invitations to various training and network events in Australia.
An annual event is Corroborree (a joint meeting of travel specialists and vendors), however the premier event is ATE (Australian Tourism Exchange) – the largest annual travel and tourism business-to business event ‘down under.’
In 2012, I was invited to experience this in Perth, Australia – on the far western end of the country; it’s a part of this vast continent that was new to me. Some my more memorable leisure moments in Perth included the Fremantle markets, Kangaroo steak & Morton bugs, Kings Park, the Bell Tower, the Planetarium, the Pinnacles and the zoo with its white kangaroos.
Then it was down to business; the next four days were ATE meetings where I met with vendors representing virtually every type of tourist activity available in Australia. The Chinese delegation had attended the week prior, so my fellow buyers (other travel professionals) were from Canada, the USA and Europe. Because I always bring small things from Wisconsin with me to give to certain vendors so they will remember me (when I contact them to make your trip more special), they do provide me with very good service and provide you with excellent value. It’s just one of the small things that can make a large impact!