05 Jun 2015, 04:11 pm

"From 200,000 visitors in last calendar year, the number of Indian visitors is set to touch 2,50,000 this year. We are eyeing the Indian market," Australian High Commissioner Patrick Suckling told IBNS here.
"We want half a million tourists from India in Australia every year by 2020," said Suckling.
In a press interaction, he said India and Australia are working seriously in making the India-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) a reality at the earliest.
"FTA may be a reality by the end of this year and it will open many doors. You open up and see what happens. But we are also realistic. For investments in both countries it is important to bring as many sectors under it as possible. We are sensitive to the issue of agriculture in India and while Australia itself is more open on the issue of agriculture, compared to Europe and USA, we are not heartless about the Indian situation," he said.
"We will require a lot of adjustments," he said, adding that agricultural protection in India will not be a stumbling block in the implementation of FTA.
"Everything we produce in Australia is high-cost and so we cannot anyway compete with India. But we would tell India not to close the door on everything. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants all to come and put skin in the business," said Suckling.
He said compared to 160 billion dollar trade with China, Australia's trade with India is only 15 billion dollars a year and it should be improved hoping that FTA wil provide for significant business opportunities for both countries.
(Reporting by Sujoy Dhar)
- Egypt returns to IFTM Paris 2025 with new travel experiences
- Dan Brown’s latest thriller brings Prague’s Gothic charm to life
- Tourist claims 56 Indian travellers with valid e-visas faced 'inhuman behaviour' while trying to enter Georgia
- India's first Seri-Eco Tourism project launched in Kashmir's Manasbal
- Anand Mahindra says heights keep Vizag’s new glass skywalk off his bucket list
- Skål International Kolkata twins with Skål International J&K to boost tourism
- US tightens visa rules: Indians must now book interviews only in country of nationality
- Navi Mumbai Airport to support safe landings in adverse weather and low visibility
- Mumbai's newest attraction is its 5-km sea promenade along Coastal Road
- Newly launched booking site QuietHotelRooms.com helps travellers sleep better
IndiGo will operate direct daily flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow Airport from Oct 26, 2025. Heathrow is Europe’s largest aviation hub and one of the world’s most connected airports.
Etihad Airways has launched its new A321LR aircraft on all flights to and from Kolkata, introducing a refined travel experience on the popular Indian route.
Etihad Airways is set to expand its global network with the addition of Damascus, the Syrian capital, as a new destination starting June 2026.