ITM 2004 Showcases 76 Exhibitors Down Under

Himanshi Munshaw - Mumbai

The India Travel Mission (ITM) 2004 was a unique way to maintain buyer-seller interaction and encourage product research and development. For the past three years the mission has been held in India and Australia alternatively. This year, the India Travel Mission along with a familiarisation programme was held in Melbourne and Gold Coast, with a participation of a total of 28 Indian agents, who also attended the pre-tour in Sydney and a post tour at the Whitsunday's.

What was striking about the mission this year was the overwhelming response from new suppliers interested in catering to the Indian market. There were a total of 33 exhibitors in Melbourne and 43 in Gold Coast representing hotels like the New Crown Promenade and Marriott Resorts; attractions like Dream world, Tjapukai and Kuranda, day tour companies like APT and Grey line, Island Resorts like Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort and tourism bodies like Tourism Sydney and TTNQ were also present.

In terms of product, the pre-tour in Sydney covered a trip to the Blue Mountains, and an overnight trip to port Stephens. An 'Indy Rally' was also organised wherein the agents in various groups were set of driving around Gold Coast and shooting pictures at the various attractions just a small way to remind us just how easy it is to self drive in Australia. A mission well accomplished!