JOIN USIn an attempt to promote Victorian Tourism, an event called ‘Super Trade Mission To India’ was held in the City recently.
To arouse an interest in Victorian Tourism, Tourism Victoria along with Tourism Australia has partnered with the television drama series Pyaar Ka Dard, and will showcase different locations in Melbourne and Victoria through the serial to the country.
With ten episodes filmed around romantic spots and activities like a cruise along the Yarra River, a helicopter ride over the stunning 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, visiting the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, reliving the times of the Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill; the serial aims to reach out to the Indian mass.
Leigh Harry, chief executive of Tourism Victoria said that the best way to promote tourism was by reaching out through innovative mediums. “This serial which airs on ‘Star Plus’ is broadcast to around 22 different countries and reaches out to more than 22 million Hindi speakers. People of Melbourne share many passions with our Indian friends including food, shopping, sports and our appreciation for good things in life itself, and this is a good window to the Melbourne experience,” said Leigh.
He added that the Victorian tourism industry has appreciable contributions from India as a large number of Indian students stay there. “Their parents or family who come to visit the students tend to stay a bit longer and they go around places of interests accordingly, which has led to growth in the industry,” he said.
The event also showcased the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, and John Kent, general manager of ICC Cricket World Cup said that 2015 would be an exciting year for Australia.
“India and Australia have a big connection – cricket. And the sporting Mecca, Melbourne will focus on millions of cricket fans arriving in February and March 2015, when the City hosts the world cup. We have discussed with different travel operators for affordable travel packages and have asked the operators to include a couple of nights more into their packages so that the people can see the different places,” said John.
“Indians love dining, exploring heritage and visiting places and the tourists who arrive in Australia will also get a chance to witness the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Melbourne International Food and Wine Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and other events,” said John.