AUSTRALIA SIGNS TOURISM PROMOTION AGREEMENT WITH INDIA
Australia and India today signed
a Memorandum of Understanding to further increase tourist arrivals
from each other countries and to increase bilateral cooperation
in the area of tourism. Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri
Jagmohan signed on behalf of India while on the part of Australia,
the MoU was signed by visiting Australian External Affairs Minister,
Mr. Alendender Downer.
According to MoU, both the countries
while promoting bilateral tourism relations will have the special
focus on culture, way of life and each other’s history. Official
tourism bodies, tourism associations, tour operators, travel agents
and institutions in the area of tourism will now have frequent
interaction. Both the countries will facilitate and assist each
other in the establishment and operation of tourist offices of
each other in their respective countries. Consultation between
Government, training institutions and industry groups in the field
of tourism will be encouraged. Possibility of investment in the
area of tourism will be explored.
Both the countries have also
decided to facilitate the import and export of materials and documents
for publicity, films and exhibition material for the promotion
of tourism. They will also exchange information, know-how and
experience in the area of tourism resources, management of hotels
and tourism projects. Working group will also be set up for the
implementation of MoU. The group will meet alternatively in each
country.
Signing the MoU, Shri Jagmohan,
Minister for Tourism & Culture said that India has decided
to explore new markets and to look east to compensate following
visitors from western countries after 11th September’s
incidence. He expressed the hope that Agreement would give boost
to the tourism in India.
