The International Visitor Survey results released by Tourism Research Australia for the year end in September 2017, indicate an 18 per cent rise in Indians travelling to South Australia in comparison to the year end report in September 2016. This makes India the eighth largest source market for the state and the third highest in terms of growth in arrivals during the year. In addition to this, Indians visiting South Australia spend money that registered a substantial increase amounting to AU$37 million, a jump by 33 per cent compared to last year.
A large focus has been on building airline and trade partnerships, training programmes for the travel trade, digital marketing and PR programmes.
Commenting on the results, Dana Urmonas, regional director (India and Southeast Asia), SATC said, “The double-digit growth in arrivals and spend over the last year indicate that South Australia is steadily becoming a favoured destination among Indian travellers. We are extremely pleased that our trade and consumer programs are yielding positive results and we are confident we will see sustained growth over the next few years as well.”
The previous year saw a growing demand among Indian travellers to try out newer luxury experiences alongside exploring native wildlife, marine adventures and world-class nature and gastronomical experiences.
Initiatives like the launch of the d’Arenberg Cube in December 2017, direct flights to Kangaroo Island from Melbourne and Adelaide in January 2018 and the upcoming day-night test cricket match between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval in December 2018 are expected to boost Indian visitor numbers further.
In 2018, the SATC will focus on attracting honeymooners, families and independent travellers, especially cricket lovers, between the age of 25-45 years in the primary markets of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai.
