Business travel in India has seen unprecedented growth of 24.7 per cent in 2023 and shows no signs of slowing down with experts anticipating an additional 18.3 per cent increase in 2024.
FCM Meetings and Events India has seen a more than 30 per cent growth in MICE enquiries, with incentive trips making a comeback.
Tourism Australia, together with FCM Meetings & Events India and Singapore Airlines hosted 30 leading Indian companies for an exclusive showcase of Australia in New Delhi last Wednesday.
Post-pandemic, Australia has seen a significant surge in arrivals, from the MICE industry and business events. Indian corporates’ enthusiasm for exploring Australia as a premier MICE destination is fuelled by improved direct and one-stop aviation connectivity, the speed and ease to secure a business visa, world-class convention facilities, with over 20,000 new hotel beds and money-can’t-buy experiences involving Australian cricketing legends & MasterChef’s.
“Our Bid Fund Program, supporting international business event bids, has already secured five significant events from India, worth over AUD$26 million. We continue to engage key decision-makers from corporates through our global events including Australia Next, corporate and agent familiarisation programs and networking events that showcase Australia,” stated Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia.
“Australia is one of the top destinations that Indian companies are always glad to consider as it has lots to offer from landscapes to culture, adventure, and experiences with capabilities to host a gather of 10-member group to 10,000. FCM Meetings & Events India has organised “money cannot buy experiences” such as meeting an Australian Cricketer or MasterChef, added Manpreet Bindra, Leader of FCM Meetings & Events Asia.
“The Indian business travel market has recovered well, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels. We expect this trend to continue, and we would certainly like to be part of this growth story. The SIA Group provides world-class service and seamless connections between 13 cities in India and 7 key points across Australia via Singapore, thus offering customers the best options for travel,” added Robyn Cheng King, Singapore Airlines Manager of Karnataka, and Telangana.
