NEW Tweed Coast resort Twin Towns Service Club, operators are gearing up to host the travel industry's most influential decision makers as the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) prepares to hold its 2007 annual convention in the region.

Salt Village last month hosted a visit from ATEC managing director Matt Hingerty and general manager Gary O'Riordan when they visited to scout locations for the many convention events.

ATEC South Queensland chair Narelle Eichorn says ATEC was seeking new up-and-coming destinations to expose to the international market.

"New Tweed Coast has already appeared on the self-drive itineraries in Germany. The European market is very interested in eco-tourism so the unspoilt environment is a major drawcard," she says.

"The benefits will also flow-on to Gold Coast tourism. For example Asian operators are now recognising how quick it will be to reach the theme parks and Surfers Paradise from the New Tweed Coast via the highway and Tugun bypass."

"This high-profile international trade show is exactly what the area needs to place it on the world stage." The event has turned rivals into allies, with New Tweed Coast project partners including Ray Group, Consolidated Properties, Domain Resorts, Multiplex, Resort Corp, Outrigger and Peppers co-operating to accommodate the 600-plus international travel agents and brokers attending the symposium in April.

The symposium is tipped to bring an immediate $1.5 million revenue to local operators, plus a potential long-term employment boost as tourism exporters discover the region, and place it on the global tourism itinerary.