India Among the Fastest Growing Outbound Travel Market

THE ESSENCE of Australia can be discovered as much by spending time in its thriving, cosmopolitan cities as it can by undertaking an epic journey along its awe-inspiring coast. By lazing on an idyllic tropical island doing not much of anything or joining a tour into the rugged and compelling outback. By cuddling a koala (select sanctuaries and wildlife parks offer supervised experiences) or taking in the cultural and culinary delights of Tasmania. And all with convenient access provided by various modes of transportation, from flights to trains to luxury bus tours.

In an exclusive interview with BW Hotelier, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager India for Tourism Australia, talks about his idea of India regarding the increase of Indian tourists in the country.

Kashikar believes in promoting tourism and culture which will ultimately make people stay longer. He wants travellers to soak in the spirit of Australia. Adding more to it, he said, “For the year 2018, Australia witnessed 18 per cent increase in arrivals from India, with 358,000 Indian travellers visiting the country during the year, making India the eighth largest inbound market for Australia. The spend by Indian tourists has increased by 21 per cent to A$ 1.7 bn (approx. Rs 8,500 crores), thereby making India the sixth largest market in terms of yield. Indians also spent a record 20.5 million nights in Australia, which grew by 30 percent over 2017.”

 “During the course of the year, we launched a unique campaign, titled UnDiscover Australia that challenges the perceptions and stereotypes of what Australia has to offer as a tourism destination, by showcasing unusual, unfamiliar and unexpected experiences,” Kashikar stated. 

Following the successful visits of several large size MICE groups of 1,000+ dealers from Honda, Asian Paints and Maruti Suzuki who travelled to Australia, business visitation during the year 2018 increased by 17 per cent over the previous year.

2018 was also the year of India’s cricket tour to Australia, and to leverage the contextual opportunity, it was partnered with Sony ESPN Cricinfo, Conde Nast Group, Friend of Australia, Harsha Bhogle, select Indian cricketers including Shikhar Dhawan, and veteran sports journalists to showcase the best of Australia.

“India is among the fastest growing outbound travel market with young Indians now embarking on an outbound holiday at a much younger age. The rise of the great Indian middle class and increase in disposable income will ensure sustained growth in outbound tourism,” Kashikar commented while sharing his views.

The young Indian traveller is becoming more discerning and looking for tailored and customised trips, with digitization, rise in  internet users and growing internet penetration, there’s an increased awareness for  Indians to explore the world around them and get inspired to travel, leading to evolution of new segments such as sports, culinary (food & drinks), adventure, self-drive, holidays for art, history, architecture, celebrating special occasions & milestones, etc.