A Kerala Tourism delegation led by Minister A. P. Anilkumar conducted road shows in the Australian cities of Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. Leading tour operators from Kerala showcased the tremendous potential of tourist destinations in state and explored business tie-ups with their counterparts in Australia.
'The enthusiasm shown by the Australian tourism trade and media in reckoning Kerala as one of the top destinations in the world was quite encouraging and Kerala had much more surprises in store for Australian visitors. The strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Australia demonstrated by the recent visit of the Australian Prime Minister to India augurs well for tourism and will inspire more Australian travellers,' said the tourism minister.
'Over the years, there has been an impressive growth in tourist arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region, with the figures during the last five years showing a phenomenal increase of 168 per cent. With increased focus on the region and improved air-connectivity between Australia and Kerala, we will see more Australian travellers holidaying in the State in the coming days,' said Mr. Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism.
In the road shows held in Brisbane, 30 representatives of tour operators attended and the number of Australian business participants in Melbourne was more than double at 66. The final road show held in Perth was attended by local buyers numbering over 30. Australia is the fifth largest market for Kerala Tourism.
Source: http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/travel_tourism_news/kerala_tourism_road_shows_in_australia/131272/