ITM 2016 to see largest supplier delegation from Down Under
Reema Lokesh – Mumbai
Things are looking up for the ‘Maites’ Down Under, especially in terms of the tourism business that emerges from the India market. A number of reasons has led to the upswing. From the recently extended electronic visa facility and around 85 agents across India, to the stable Australian dollar, Tourism Australia’s marketing initiatives has led to increasing inflow into the country. According to the Tourism Australia office in India, there has been a 19 per cent increase in tourism arrivals in the year 2015 vis-a-vis the previous year and a 38 per cent increase in terms of tourism spend. The India office under the leadership of Nishant Kashikar, country manager – India and Gulf, has worked closely with travel associates and partners like tour operators, travel agents and airlines and the visa office to boost tourism inflow into the region.
Kashikar said, “We are seeing some encouraging results in terms of the tourism inflow into Australia from India. There are a number of factors that have led to the growth, especially in recent times. From the ICC World Cup Cricket initiative and Air India’s direct services to primary cities of Australia, to digital marketing initiatives and education sessions with key partners in our business, all has worked well in our favour. The other factor is student traffic from India into Australia. As per statistics, there are around 53,000 Indian students in the region, which further gives impetus to the VFR traffic.”
The soon to be held India Travel Mission (ITM) 2016, will also witness the largest ever supplier delegation. Eighty three suppliers, including airlines and 104 buyers from across India will meet at a three-day business event in Chennai in August to understand the new changes and developments in the markets. The country is also working to grant a three-year multiple entry visa for Indian travellers.