As an action-packed World Routes 2018 draws to a close, Mr Qui Jiachen, Chairman of Guangzhou Baiyun International airport handed over the event to the Honourable David Ridgeway, the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Government of South Australia. Preparations are already underway in Australia to host next year's forum down under. This will be the first time that any Australian city has hosted the prestigious event and will bring South Australia to the attention of the world's leading airlines.

The 25th annual World Routes Development Forum will be hosted by the South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Australia and Adelaide Airport at Adelaide Showground.

Steven Small, Brand Director at Routes said, "Adelaide is a unique destination with a fast-growing economy and strong airport infrastructure. This makes it the perfect city to host the 25th annual World Routes Forum.

"With support from Team Australia, the event will almost certainly be one to remember. World Routes will also enable South Australia's to achieve their goal of an AUD$8 billion tourism industry by 2020 through the growth of Adelaide's air services."

Adelaide is Australia's fastest growing regional capital city airport. Redeveloped in 2005, AUD$1 billion is currently being spent on projects to further expand its capacity. Passenger numbers have grown steadily in the last decade to over 7.7 million and aircraft movements are expected to grow by 3% over the next 20 years. Countless new routes have been added to Adelaide's international network in recent years to including services to Doha and Guangzhou.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Honourable David Ridgeway, said "World Routes 2019 is a wonderful opportunity for Adelaide and South Australia to showcase our great state and wonderful city with the world.

We thank Routes for their support and we are confident that we can deliver a world-class event in Adelaide. We are looking forward to it, it won't disappoint and we are sure that delegate will make life-long memories and form lasting relationships."

Adelaide appeals to visitors as a one-stop destination for world-class wine, unbeatable produce and unique native wildlife. There are abundant touring options nearby including exploring the unique wildlife and wine country. Tourists can cuddle a koala at Cleland Wildlife Park, swim with dolphins at the beachside suburb of Glenelg and cage dive with great white sharks on the Eyre Peninsula. Murray River, Kangaroo Island, the mountains of Flinders Ranges and 30km of unbroken white sand beaches are also popular. A trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Great Barrier Reef or the Sydney Opera House are also only a quick flight away.

With unprecedented networking opportunities, a unique conference programme and a great location, the international aviation community is already looking forward to next year's event. See you down under!

Contributed by UBM