Tourism Australia has started welcoming back travellers from India with borders now open for quarantine-free travel, for fully vaccinated visa holders. Pre-Covid, India was Australia’s fastest growing inbound tourism market for three years. In 2019, Australia welcomed almost 400,000 visitors from India and was the sixth most valuable market for spend, contributing over AUD 1.8 billion.

Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India, added, “Our research has consistently shown that there is a huge pent-up demand for travel to Australia amongst Indian travellers. Through our campaign activities, engaging Public Relations (PR) and Advocacy initiatives, collaborations with Key Distribution Partners (KDPs) and airline partners, we are optimistic of converting this demand and seeing India return to growth in arrivals to Australia”.

Tourism Australia’s recent Consumer Demand Project research suggests that 1.8 million (or 82%) out of 2.2 million High Value Travellers from India intend to visit Australia over the next two years. This demand is well complemented by the boost to direct aviation access between India and Australia with the commencement of direct flights by Qantas and Air India in recent times.

Commenting on reopening of borders, Phillipa Harrison, MD, Tourism Australia said: “At Tourism Australia we are so excited to be welcoming back international visitors who make up a critical part of our visitor economy. We know Australia remains an incredibly desirable destination, especially for visitors from India and we can’t wait to once again share all of the unforgettable tourism experiences we have to offer here in Australia.”

Another initiative to encourage holiday visitors from India is the Visa Application Charge (VAC) waiver announcement by Department of Home Affairs, for those tourists whose visa to Australia has either expired or will expire between March 20, 2020 and June 30, 2022.

Australia will be hosting the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup from October 22 to November 13 this year.