A high-level Queensland tourism, trade and education delegation was in India to strengthen the economic and social relationships between the two regions.
Building new tourism and international education opportunities was an important component of the trade mission, led by the Queensland Government’s Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe.
Stirling Hinchliffe was joined by representatives from Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), Tourism Australia and Queensland’s airports and Regional Tourism Organisations. During the first half of 2023, more than 64,000 travellers from India visited Queensland to enjoy the State’s great lifestyle and world-class tourism experiences and destinations.
Currently there are 17,700 students from India enrolled with Queensland education and training providers. The delegation led by Minister Hinchliffe is the first official Queensland ministerial visit to India since the signing of the joint Queensland-India Trade and Investment Strategy 2023-2027.
The strategy is designed to promote long-term collaboration in education, innovation and economic growth, starting on Queensland’s runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) has increased its presence and resources in India with Minister Hinchliffe officially opening TIQ’s new Mumbai office this week in partnership with the Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai.
Speaking about his visit, Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said: “Queensland is home to a significant Indian community with more than 90,000 residents of Indian heritage and almost 18,000 students studying onshore with Queensland education providers. The Queensland-India Trade and Investment Strategy recognises the many mutually beneficial opportunities for building stronger links between the two regions, particularly on Queensland’s runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “
He continued, “With a great lifestyle, world-class tourism destinations, unique, awe-inspiring natural attractions and Indigenous cultures, Queensland is the favourite domestic holiday destination of Australians. An important focus of this delegation is exploring new opportunities to reunite family and friends and share more of Queensland’s award-winning tourism experiences with Indian visitors.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said, “Tourism and Events Queensland is working closely with our airports and regional tourism organisations to create bespoke visitor opportunities for travellers from India. From visiting relatives and enjoying our amazing culture to exploring the thriving Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforests, for Indian travellers Queensland has so much to offer.”
She continued, “Post-pandemic, Queensland tourism is focused on rebuilding international aviation connections, investing in all-abilities visitor experiences and new ecotourism opportunities as the world’s must-see destination of choice. We want to make it even easier for Indian visitors to share our amazing destination.”
Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Abhinav Bhatia said, “TIQ’s new Mumbai presence reflects our commitment to facilitating international market access for Queensland-based companies and education providers. This strategic move is a tangible step toward realising the opportunities set out in the Queensland-India Trade and Investment Strategy 2023-2027. With a growing Indian diaspora exceeding 90,000 individuals, Queensland values the cultural enrichment and the pivotal roles this community plays in fostering closer ties with India.”
About Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ)
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) is a statutory body of the Queensland Government and the state’s lead marketing, tourism experience and destination development and major events agency. Working across government and in partnership with regional tourism organisations, industry and commercial stakeholders, we aim to build Queensland’s tourism and events industry to foster innovation, drive industry growth and boost visitor expenditure. TEQ reports to the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement.
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