Tourism Australia has seen a 26 per cent increase in tourist arrivals during the month of September 2013, driven by leisure arrivals which have increased by 31per cent. For the year ending September 2013, total tourist arrivals increased by 11per cent, with leisure growing at 16per cent. The launch of Air India’s direct flights to Australia has had an encouraging and positive impact on tourist traffic from India to Australia.
Enhanced air connectivity had been identified as one of the crucial factors in achieving the 2020 potential, set under the India 2020 strategic plan launched by Tourism Australia in June 2012. Commenting on this impressive development, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India& Gulf Countries, Tourism Australia said, “The key to unlocking India’s long term tourism potential is unarguably improved air access and capacity. Tourism Australia is delighted with Air India’s commitment to the Australia market, and we have been working very closely with airline partners like Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, and the results of our efforts are noticeable. Overall visitor arrivals have shown an encouraging growth, and improved air connectivity has played a critical role in this achievement.”
Marking a return to the Australian market after 16 years, Air India launched their direct, daily flights on the triangulated Delhi-Sydney-Melbourne route on August 29 this year. Tourism Australia has also partnered with Singapore Airlines on an integrated cooperative campaign leveraging their partnership with domestic carrier, Virgin Australia to offer 50 per cent discount on domestic Australian sectors. It has also stepped up its India services by introducing a third daily flight from Delhi to Singapore from October 2013. “These improved air connections will play a significant role in boosting visitor traffic during the fast approaching honeymoon, Christmas/New Year travel period,” added Kashikar.
As part of another joint promotional campaign, Malaysia Airlines offered discounted fares to Australia. Malaysia Airlines has commenced its 3rd daily flight into Sydney from November 21 onwards, to operate four times a week initially and move to a daily basis in early February 2014. They also commenced their 3rd daily flight to Melbourne from November 21.
