Australia welcomes Indian tourists

Australia is to play a major part in developing India's emerging tourism market and maximising its potential, following successful government talks at the Australia-India Tourism Business Forum, it was announced today.

The Australian minister for small business and tourism, Fran Bailey, met with Ambika Soni, India's minister for tourism and culture, to discuss areas such as eco tourism, food tourism, the enhancement of heritage sites and investment in infrastructure, agreeing on opportunities to exchange expertise in these areas, which will ensure Australia has the lead on international competition.

Ms Bailey said: "My meeting with minister Soni, and the exchange of information and ideas that took place at the highest levels of government and industry during the forum, has provided Australia with a headstart on providing tailored tourism experiences to India's growing middle class."

It has been estimated that the number of Indian tourists visiting Australia will reach 550,000 by 2025, by which time their economic value is forecast to reach $2 billion, according to the emerging markets strategy in Australia.

In July 2005 the World Bank's gross domestic product rankings put India in the top ten of the world and the third biggest in Asia. India's seven-eight per cent growth rate also makes it one of the world's fastest-growing economies with a huge potential for the expansion of tourism.

Posted by Just the Flight, 27 March 2006 16:51

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