Sri Lanka, Australia court Indian tourists with unique campaigns: Key details

According to a report by the International Trade Administration (ITA), Indian tourists are amongst the highest spenders per trip abroad, significantly boosting the economies of the countries they visit.

In Short

• Sri Lanka offers a 'Ramayana Trail' for Indian tourists.
• India, largest foreign tourist group in Sri Lanka in Oct 2024.
• Australia's 'Howzat for a Holiday?' targets Indian cricket fans.

Sri Lanka and Australia are taking steps to attract the growing number of Indian tourists travelling abroad. According to a report by the International Trade Administration (ITA), Indian tourists are one of the highest spenders per visit abroad, which contributes to the economies of the countries they visit.

SRI LANKA'S RAMAYAN TRAIL:

Sri Lankan Airlines has introduced a special tour package for Indian visitors called the 'Ramayana Trail.' This unique experience includes visits to 50 important locations connected to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. These sites include:

• The Seeta Amman Temple is believed to be where Sita prayed during her captivity.
• Rumassala Hill is said to be part of the Himalayas brought by Hanuman.

The trail was officially launched in Delhi, where the Sri Lankan High Commissioner highlighted the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.

The package not only offers a chance to explore heritage sites but also strengthens these historical connections.

In October 2024, Indians made up the largest group of foreign tourists in Sri Lanka, with 36,000 visitors, representing 26.8% of total arrivals.

The trend continued into November, with over 26,700 Indian tourists visiting between November 1 and 20.

AUSTRALIA'S 'HOWZAT FOR A HOLIDAY?' CAMPAIGN:

Australia also focuses on Indian tourists with its 'Howzat for a Holiday?' campaign, launched during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy cricket series.

The campaign, featuring Australian Test captain Pat Cummins, aims to attract cricket fans to Australia.

Indian tourists are among the highest spenders abroad, contributing significantly to the economies of the countries they visit.

According to reports, Indian travellers are expected to surpass Chinese tourists in the coming years, making them a valuable market for global tourism.

Sri Lanka and Australia aim to attract more Indian tourists and boost their tourism industries by offering culturally relevant packages and leveraging popular events like cricket.