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Tourism WA’s Indian marketing drive began last week when they hosted an Indian inbound tour operator (ITO) famil from 14th to 18th December to coincide with the Second Test cricket match at Optus Stadium.

The famil showcased Perth to ITOs and helped educate them on Western Australia, using Perth as the gateway.

The ITOs got to experience the first-ever international test cricket match between Australia and India at the new Optus Stadium while also meeting Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle – the voice of Indian cricket.

The ITO sampled fresh local produce and wines in Swan Valley, met a Quokka on Rottnest Island, learnt about Fremantle’s history, and explored Perth city on Segways.

India is the fastest growing inbound market in Australia and remains a key priority market for Tourism WA, with 28,100 Indian visitors contributing $69 million to the WA economy (IVS figures for year ending June 2018).

In October this year, Tourism Minister Paul Papalia announced that Tourism WA had committed funds to market WA in India for the first time, and would soon appoint a dedicated marketing representative based in Mumbai.

The Minister is also holding key meetings with, and delivering business cases to, six Indian airlines in a bid to attract a direct service between India and Perth.

With a population of more than 1.3 billion people and a growing middle-class, India has the potential to grow into a key market for Western Australia.

Minister Papalia stated "the State Government is serious about growing WA's tourism industry, and entering a new market such as India, with the potential to deliver thousands of more visitors, will help us achieve that goal.

"Our extraordinary State has much to offer Indian travellers, whether they're visiting for business, education or leisure.

"Perth boasts some of the best hotels in Australia, with more than 3,000 new rooms opening in the past few years. It is also the perfect launching pad to visit our spectacular regions.

"Western Australia is also an attractive option for Indians looking to study overseas, with the Premier recently announcing the Government will give high-achieving education graduates - PhD, Masters, Honours and other higher degree graduates - a pathway to skilled migration."

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