Australian tourism minister calls for direct air connectivity with India

ETW STAFF – New Delhi

Martin Ferguson, tourism minister of Australia has called for direct air connectivity between India and Australia to boost tourism. He stated this during his discussion with union tourism minister K Chiranjeevi recently. Both the ministers also expressed their resolve to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation. Referring to the recent road shows organised by India Tourism in Australia, 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 from both the countries may exchange the ideas for promotion and development of tourism. 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.