Mumbai: To attract Indian tourists to Australia, a delegation comprising of hoteliers and tourism officials from Victoria, is now in India promoting the continent as the incentive travel and business events destination.
"We have been working alongside our partners to reach out to the corporate community and encourage incentive travel to Australia through a wide range of activities," Tourism Australia Manager (Partnership, Distribution & Business Events) for South/South East Asia and Gulf, Stephen Cheah, told reporters here.
Cheah is part of the Victorian delegation, comprising of hoteliers and tourism officials, which is on a three-day visit here to promote the Australian state and the country as an attractive destination for Indians planning overseas trips.
"The Indian market is one of the most promising for Australia`s tourism future and so it is essential that, we provide the highest possible level of facilities and service, when they visit Australia," hotel group Accor`s vice president Simon McGrath said.
Victoria, which has the highest Indian population, saw 59,000 visitors from the sub continent from the total 1,34,000 Indian tourists, who have visited it during April 2010 to March 2011.
"India is a key market for us and we are expecting up to 15 per cent growth in people visiting from India," Tourism Victoria Regional Manager South and South East Asia Celia Ho said.
Victoria`s main focus is premium travellers, who are well travelled and looking at an alternate destination, she said.
However, the state is also looking at welcoming travellers from all segments offering them an insight into the country`s vibrant culture, she added.
PTI
