The recently concluded India Travel Mission (ITM) brought together over 40 Australian sellers which included hotels, entertainment groups and tour operators. The common factor binding them all is their strong focus on the India market. Be it through special offers, unique tours or discounted rates, Australian products are all gearing up to attract Indian footfall in every way possible.
The launch of the Air India direct flights to Melbourne and Sydney has drawn a silver lining for the Australian tourism fraternity, which is banking heavily on these new routes for increased footfall from India. And the special offers start with the Indian national carrier itself. Having penned a codeshare agreement with Qantas, the latter will provide Air India passengers 30 seats at a minimum fare for travel within the destination. Even the launch fares between India and Australia are competitive.
Kate Marshall, Director of International Sales – Eastern Hemisphere, Accor revealed that they have added Indian cuisine as part of their initiative to attract footfall from India. “So far, the percentage of Indian bookings at Accor is small, but we are expecting an increase owing to the Air India services. We intend to focus on attracting honeymooners this year, and we are making some of our properties Indian-friendly for the honeymoon segment. Our Fairmont Blue Mountain has been refurbished and is seeing a pickup in Indian footfall,” she said.
Giving a twist to traditional Australian tours, Safir Tours has taken it upon itself to build new itineraries and highlight new experiences by developing cricket tourism. Nayaz Noor, CEO, Safir Tours stated that he wants to bring cricket club teams from India on tours to Australia. “We will arrange coaching, tours and cricket matches. We are in talks with Phillip Islands for the same and will work with them in developing this offering,” said Noor.
Sovereign Hills, which has been gaining momentum among Indian travellers in recent times, registered 7,000 Indian visitors a year, revealed Garry Burns, Director – Marketing, The Sovereign Hill Museum Association. The highlighted gold rush, he added, attracts several MICE travellers from India. The company plans to focus on families from India this year. He further added that their outdoor museum will be their focus for the time being. When asked about his expectations from India, he stated that he perceives a 10 per cent growth in Indian footfall as a result of the Air India flights.
Kingfisher Resorts is offering romantic getaways for three nights at A$499. Dreamworld Parkway offers a Dreamworld and Skypoint combination, and is adding a water park to the offer from next month for no extra charge. Furthermore, they are adding an aboriginal experience to give the product a heritage edge. Last but not least, Sean John, Sales Manager – Korea, India and Middle East, Dreamworld Parkway revealed that their restaurant Billabong now offers Indian cuisine.
Other products are also taking an effort to make themselves visible in the Indian market, even if it is without the benefit of special offers. AAT Kings are rebranding themselves to attract more attention and highlight the USP of the destination. The Emirates Wolgan Valley has been registering a year on year growth in high end honeymooners from India. The property has added Indian cuisine to its offerings, and has provided all-inclusive packages of A$1500 a night, revealed Justin MacMillan, Sales Manager, Emirates Wolgan Valley.
The Merlin Entertainments Group is adding Sea Life to its highlights for the Indian market. Overall, the group’s products welcome 500-1000 pax a month from India through the travel trade. Shannon Bailey, Head of Trade Sales, Merlin Entertainmen
