People from India are flocking to Western Australia with the State’s attracting more visitors from the India market than ever before. The number of people from India visiting Western Australia has increased from 20,000 in 2015 to 27,600 in 2017, representing a 38 per cent increase. Fifty–six per cent of those visiting Western Australia in 2017 were repeat visitors to Australia.
Tourism minister Paul Papalia, who was in Mumbai recently, announced that Tourism WA had committed funds to market WA in India for the first time and would soon appoint a dedicated marketing representative based in Mumbai. The minister is also holding key meetings with and delivering business cases to six Indian airlines in a bid to attract a direct service between India and Perth.
The first activity promoting WA in India will focus on cricket. It will include a cooperative marketing deal with Thomas Cook, offering travel packages to Perth for the first-ever cricket test match at Optus Stadium, from December 14 to 18.
Activities to do and see around Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island will also be showcased in India through visiting sports media, social media influencers and media content partnerships during the historic Perth test.
Renowned Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle will share his experiences with his millions of followers on social media throughout the duration of his stay in Western Australia for the Test.
Papalia said, “The State Government is serious about growing WA’s tourism industry, and entering a new market such as India, with the potential to deliver thousands more visitors, will help us achieve that goal. We are working with Perth Airport to secure a direct air link between Perth and India, and this marketing activity will help promote WA and create even greater demand for these flights once they begin.”