As reported in a recent press release from Tourism Australia, the island nation is expected to welcome 1.8 million (or 82 percent) of 2.2 million Indian ‘ high-value travelers’ over the next two years.
Tourism Australia mentioned that it is “thrilled to be greeting back visitors from India” as Australia reopened its country boundaries to tourists and travelers vaccinated against Covid-19. In addition, to entice potential visitors, Australia has declared a visa application fee waiver for travelers whose visa to Australia has expired or is about to expire somewhere around 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2022.
The recent launch of direct flights by Qantas and Air India will also benefit tourists, according to Tourism Australia in a press statement, trying to add that their latest Consumer Demand Project research indicates that 1.8 million of 2.2 million ‘High-Value Travelers’ from India intend to visit Australia within the next 24 months.
There would also be a high demand for traveling to Australia in the run-up to the ICC World T20 event, which will take place in October and November this year.
“Our research has constantly revealed that there is a significant untapped desire for traveling to Australia among Indian visitors.” In the press release, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, Tourism Australia, was once said.
“At Tourism Australia, we are so delighted to be greeting overseas guests who are such an important part of our tourism economy,” said Managing Director Phillipa Harrison. We believe Australia continues to be a desirable destination, particularly for tourists from India, and we can’t wait to discuss all of the beautiful tourism experiences Australia has to offer with you.”
Tourism Australia also stated that it would work with travel partners such as MakeMyTrip, Pick Your Trail, etc. They also want to work with airline partners like Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air India, and Qantas. The goal is to encourage early reservation in Australia.
Visa
Travelers who hold a visiting visa that expires or will expire between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2022 are eligible for a free future guest visa under Visa Application Charge (VAC) waiver rules. However, in order to qualify for the waiver, customers must submit their applications before December 31.
Travel regulations
Travelers who paln to visit Australia must have a valid visa, a vaccination certificate demonstrating two doses of Covishield or Covaxin, and a negative fast antigen test or RT-PCR result obtained within 72 hours of departure. In addition, they must file a digital passenger declaration 72 hours before their departure.
In the first 24 hours of arriving in Australia, all visitors must complete a self-monitored quick antigen test. Furthermore, visitors to South Australia will be required to undergo a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival, while visitors to Western Australia must undergo a fast antigen test within 12 hours of arrival.
