Australian Tourism Minister Calls for Direct Air Connectivity to Boost Tourism

The Australian Tourism Minister Mr.  Martin Ferguson has called for direct air connectivity between India and Australia to boost tourism. He stated this during his discussion with Union Tourism Minister Shri K.Chiranjeevi here today. Both the Ministers also expressed their resolve to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation. Referring to the recent  road shows organized by India Tourism in Australia, Shri Chiranjeevi expressed the hope that such shows will contribute  to more tourist inflow from Australia. The Minister also  suggested creation of a joint Tourism forum where the Tour Operators, Hoteliers, Airlines and other tourism stakeholders form both the countries may exchange the ideas for promotion and development of tourism between both the countries. He also expressed the views that both the countries should explore the possibilities of renewing the MoU on tourism cooperation which expired in 2008.The Minister also suggested easing of visa norms to boost tourism.

           India and Australia are important tourism markets for each other. Australia is one of top 10 tourist generating markets for India as far as inbound tourism is concerned.  Number of Australian visited India during the last five years were :

2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
135925	146209	149074	169647	186002

          India tourism Office in Sydney looks after promotion and marketing of India in Australia. Overall the marketing efforts have been directed at re-enforcing the brand and creating year round traffic.  India Tourism office regularly undertake comprehensive promotion, developing partnership with airlines, the travel industry, media, community groups and Government.

          Ministry of Tourism in association with Indian Association of Tour Operators organized road shows in Sydney and Melbourne in October this year. The Ministry of Tourism hosted the visit of tour operators, travel agents, opinion makers, TV team, travel writers, etc. from Australia  numbering  35 in 2011-12 and 16  till date during 2012-13  on familiarisation tour  of India under its hospitality scheme.