India has emerged as Western Australia's 8th largest international tourism market, with a significant rise in Indian visitors over the past few years. According to Anneke Brown, the Managing Director of Tourism Western Australia, 35,000 visitors from India travelled to Western Australia in the year ending June 2024, contributing AUD 118 million in tourism revenue. This growth signifies the rising demand from Indian travellers, making India a priority inbound market for the region.
India's growing significance in Western Australia’s tourism market is remarkable. In just five years, India has climbed from being the 11th largest international market in 2019 to the 8th largest in 2024. This increase in tourism is largely driven by a large Indian community in Western Australia, estimated to be around 61,000 residents, including nearly 9,600 international students. These factors have played a crucial role in driving demand from Indian tourists.
Tourism Western Australia is focusing on building direct aviation access between India and Western Australia. Although a direct flight service is still under development, there are several one-stop options available through global hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Tourism Western Australia is collaborating with airlines such as Batik Air Malaysia, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Scoot to promote bookings through these convenient routes. The ultimate goal is to increase direct connectivity and attract more Indian tourists to the state.
To further boost tourism, Tourism Western Australia is actively working on increasing awareness of the region as a premier holiday destination in India. Through campaigns like ‘Walking on a Dream,’ the agency is promoting Western Australia’s unique and diverse attractions. From stunning rock formations and ancient Aboriginal sites to world-class wineries and pristine ocean waters, Western Australia offers a broad range of experiences to Indian travellers.
Western Australia is renowned for its vastness and diversity, covering almost one-third of the Australian continent. The region is home to several iconic tourist attractions, including dramatic rock formations, significant cultural sites, lush vineyards, and crystal-clear ocean waters. These attractions make it an ideal destination for Indian travellers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Tourism Western Australia, the state government agency responsible for promoting tourism, continues to push for the growth of the tourism sector. By working closely with airlines, tour operators, and marketing agencies, the agency aims to position Western Australia as a must-visit destination for Indian tourists and tourists globally.
Conclusion
India's growing prominence as the 8th largest tourism market for Western Australia highlights the strong demand and potential for deeper tourism ties between the two regions. With a rising number of Indian visitors and a large Indian community in Western Australia, the state is poised to benefit from this continued growth. Tourism Western Australia's efforts to enhance connectivity, including the development of direct flight services, alongside targeted marketing campaigns, will undoubtedly help attract more Indian travellers. As the state offers a diverse range of attractions, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks, Western Australia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indian tourists, contributing significantly to its tourism industry. With ongoing collaboration between airlines and tourism stakeholders, Western Australia's appeal as a top international destination is expected to soar.