Maha emerges as key source mkt in India for Tourism Australia

Maharashtra has emerged as a key tourism source market in India for Australia with the continent country recording a 25 per cent growth in footfalls from the state for the year ended September 2016.

"Maharashtra has retained its position as a key tourism source market in India. As of year ended September 2016, Maharashtra has recorded an increase of 25 per cent in tourist arrivals," Tourism Australia said in a release.

Maharashtra also saw 18 per cent growth in spending by the tourists from the state, it added.

About 53,800 visitors from Maharashtra visited Australia, contributing AUSD 232 million (Rs 1,160 crore) to the Australian economy, with an average spend of Rs 2.15 lakh per person.
 

"We are delighted that all our focused distribution initiatives in Maharashtra have paid off, resulting in an increase in arrivals and spend from the state. Going forward, we are positive that our extensive analysis of the market, in tandem with our key distribution partners and airlines, will provide us with insights to to cater to the requirements of travellers from Maharashtra," Tourism Australia Country Manager, India and Gulf, Nishant Kashikar said.

Further, he said, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) movement has also witnessed significant growth from the Indian market with several domestic companies travelling Down Under for conferences and incentives.

"These numbers have included significant movement from Maharashtra as well," he added.

Overall arrivals from India for the year ended November 2016, were recorded at 2,56,400, an increase of 11.5 per cent compared to the same period the previous year, making India the ninth largest inbound market for Australia, according to data from Tourism Australia.

The Tourism Forecasting Committee (TFC) has predicted 2,65,000 visitors from India for the July 2016-June 2017 period, a 9.6 per cent increase against corresponding period in 2015-16, it said.

Arrivals from India are expected to perform well with an average annual financial year growth rate of 6.4 per cent through to the financial year 2021-22, it added.