Western Australia on a mission to promote tourism, unlock business opportunities in India
Recently, Roger Cook, Western Australia’s Deputy Premier, visited Delhi and Mumbai as part of a 7-day India Trade Mission to highlight Western Australia’s diverse opportunities. Carolyn Turnbull, Managing Director, Tourism Western Australia, was a part of the mission and was keen to engage with key travel, media, and aviation stakeholders. They had also roped West Australian cricketing legend Brad Hogg to India to promote Australia’s largest state as a must-visit destination ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later this year. We have a gist of the event that was held in Mumbai.
This was the Western Australian Government’s first official visit since 2019. The mission, led by the Deputy Premier, included ministerial meetings, group briefings, industry roundtables, one-to-one business matching, and networking events in Delhi, Vijayawada, and Chennai.
To strengthen awareness and relations, the multi-sector Trade Mission aimed to unlock opportunities for Western Australian businesses in India while promoting Western Australia as a destination for tourists, students, events, businesses, and investment.
Roger Cook, Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade, Tourism, Commerce, and Science said, “India remains a priority market for Western Australia, and I’m delighted to be leading this trade mission to meet with key partners and stakeholders in-person.”
Following the return of international visitors to Western Australia has seen an influx of visitors from India, with arrivals in May reaching more than 90 per cent of preCOVID levels, and forward bookings for July and August are even higher than before the pandemic.
“Securing a direct aviation route from India to Western Australia is a key aviation priority for the Western Australian Government, as it would create even more opportunities for tourism and investment in both destinations while helping to reconnect visitors from India with their loved ones in Western Australia while providing a huge boost for WA travel and accommodation businesses,” stated Cook.
Cook also added, “Tourism Western Australia’s research indicates travellers from India are especially interested in nature and wildlife, stunning coastlines, beaches and marine wildlife, local cuisine and a familyfriendly destination – Western Australia has all this to offer and much more.”
Around the size of Western Europe, Western Australia accounts for one-third of the Australian continent. It boasts 20,000 kilometres of mainland and island coastline, the world’s oldest minerals, and a host of natural wonders found nowhere else on earth.
Carolyn Turnbull said that the mission had received a very warm welcome in India. They have hit the ground running, engaging with key travel and media contacts and meeting with aviation stakeholders to showcase all the adventures awaiting visitors from India.
“Another focus of the mission has been promoting Western Australia’s blockbuster events, in particular the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 matches in Perth, with India’s national team to play South Africa at our world-class Perth Stadium in October,” informed Carolyn.
Around three-quarters of the state’s population of 2.6 million people live in the Perth region. Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city. The city’s spectacular natural surroundings are rivalled only by its vibrant city life.
“Events in Western Australia cosmopolitan capital city of Perth complement the incredible range of activities available to visitors to enjoy all across our beautiful state – whether it’s the stunning forests and wine regions in Western Australia’s South West, or our pristine beaches along the Coral Coast, we’re using this mission to promote that Western Australia truly has something for everyone,” expressed Carolyn.
Brad Hogg spoke about all things cricket, from the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to his infamous wicket of Andy Flower in the 2003 World Cup. Brad also shared his favourite spots in Perth, and why Western Australia is the ideal destination for cricket lovers, travellers, and adventure seekers.
Brad and the Deputy Premier highlighted Western Australia’s “Venue of the Year”- the Perth Stadium, which will play host to many key matches, including India’s game with South Africa in less than four months.