Queensland tourism targets Indian honeymooners

Indian newlyweds are the latest tourists targeted by Queensland, as the sunshine state ramps up its push to boost its share of Australia's lucrative travel market. Queensland Tourism Minister Margaret Keech, who is currently in Delhi for the Queensland on Tour - India trade mission, said the state has been popular in past years with other Asian newlyweds, and that similar steps could be taken to attract Indian honeymooners. "I have raised the potential of the honeymoon market during discussions with agents here, building on work we have already done to grow the market," Ms Keech said. Tourism Queensland has already attempted to give people in the industry a taste of what is on offer by recently playing host to a large group of Indian travel agents who specialise in honeymoon holidays. "The agents returned to India with a good understanding of what Queensland can offer their customers," Ms Keech said.

"They know from their own experiences that Queensland has everything a couple in love could seek - from wedding facilities, to honeymoon luxury, stunning natural assets, adventure and an experience that will be with them for life." India has been identified as one of Australia's fastest growing tourism markets. Almost 80,000 Indians visited Australia in 2005-06, a 33 per cent increase from the previous financial year. Almost one-third of those made a trip to Queensland while in the country. As part of her trip to Delhi, Ms Keech has also urged airlines to include Queensland in their flight schedules in order to cater for the growing demand. "One of the key issues is that while we are seeing significant increases in visitor and expenditure growth, there are currently no direct flights to and from Queensland and India," she said. "The protection of Queensland's traditional $3.2 billion international holiday market and the development of new emerging holiday markets is extremely important. "Increasing direct flights to key international markets is a big part of the development process."

visit us @ http://www.silkrouteholidays.com