In the latest report released by Tourism Australia, the arrival figures for the year ended (YE) June2017 have reflected over 277,100 tourists visiting Australia from India.

This significant growth of 15 percent, relative to the same period last year, making India the 9th largest inbound market for tourist arrivals.

This increase also marks a double digit growth for the fourth consecutive year.

As per the report, the state of West Bengal has seen a huge surge as a tourism source market for Australia. For the year ended June 2017, over 11,400 tourists from West Bengal visited Australia spending AUD 55million (approx. Rs.275 crores) on their Australian holiday. West Bengal contributed to a solid growth of 97 per cent and 90 per cent in arrivals and spends respectively, for the year ended June 2017.

Commenting on the tourism statistics, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, said, "Over the years, we have undertaken several focused campaigns as part of our consumer outreach efforts. We work closely with our key Aussie Specialist Agents and airline partners to offer a compelling reason for potential travellers to choose Australia as their next holiday destination. Visitors from West Bengal are looking forward to luxurious experiences, including aquatic & coastal (beaches), self-drive, nature, wildlife, history and cultureon their Australian sojourn. With a growing penchant for travel, we expect growth from our top metro cities to continue over the years to follow.”

Tourism Australia has come a long way as it recently celebrated its 50th year of existence.

The destination has witnessed a continuous growth in tourist arrivals from India in the recent years.

To enhance the tourism experiences of Indian travelers in Australia and to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the tourism board has collaborated with several key distribution partners in India, offering tactical packages with significant value-additions.Recognizing the potential of the Indian market, the Tourism Board recently appointed Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra, as a 'Friend of Australia', making her the first Indian woman celebrity to receive this honor and be associated with the destination.