03 October 2008

Indian tourism in NSW set to take off

Tourism New South Wales tourism recently launched a tourism marketing campaign in India in an attempt to boost visitor arrivals to Australia’s most popular state.

The board has said the ten-day trip to India will see positive results for Sydney, New South Wales and Australia, reports the eTravel Blackboard. 

"NSW can greatly benefit from the opportunities the Indian market offers. India is an increasingly important trade partner with Australian exports to India worth more than $11 billion last year," said Les Cassar, Tourism NSW Chairman.

According to Mr Cassar, NSW receives a $173 million injection to its economy from Indian tourism every year, and Indian visitors are the longest-staying tourists with a visa for Australia, averaging 40 nights stay.

The showcase in India promoted two of Australia’s assets that appeal to Indians the most: cricket and nature.  The Grand Pacific Drive, the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk, Morton National Park, Bowral’s Bradman Museum of Cricket and Centennial Vineyards will be high on the promotional agenda, as well as BridgeClimb, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Showboats and Accor Asia Pacific.  Traditionally, the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley (wine region of NSW) and the coastline have proven to be the popular choice for Indian tourists in Australia.

The number of Indian visitors to Australia is predicted to rise from 95,000 in 2007 to 440,000 in 2017, an average annual growth rate of 16.5 per cent.

"It was great to see first hand the interest and enthusiasm Indian people have for visiting the State. In India, Sydney is known for its friendly people, excellent shopping experiences, its stunning sightseeing and natural environment and is considered a safe and family-friendly holiday destination," said Mr Cassar.

"Sydney and NSW’s credentials as Australia’s cultural and creative hub, as a film location for recent Bollywood smash hits and as a gateway to the best food and wine experiences were also highlighted."

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people apply for an Australia visa.

Article by Jessica Bird, Australian Visa Bureau