Newstrack

Austria identifies India as a key market

Andrea Lopez - Mumbai

Christine Mukharji Director India, ANTO

Theresa Haid Marketing and sales, Tirol Marketing Service

The Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) has announced that India is one of its key markets for tourism. In 2007, Austria registered 120 million overnight stays, from which 43 million were registered in Tirol. "One third of tourism into Austria comes from the Tirol region," said Theresa Haid, marketing and sales, Tirol Marketing Service. Apart from Tirol, Swarovski and Innsbruk remain popular with Indian visitors. Steffan Isser, marketing director, Swarovski tourism services said that Swarovski was the second most visited destination in Austria. "The FIT market in India is growing, and we have initiated new products like the chateau bus from Innsbruk to the Swarovski castle for tourists," he said. Nicholas Boekdrukker, manager - International Marketing, Innsbruk Tourism for Asia, CEE, and Russia has said that Innsbruk is looking at an annual growth of 15 per cent from the India market. He added that Austria has the potential to develop as a hub for travel to other destinations like Budapest. "There has been an increase in the incentive market with 65 percent groups and 25 per cent FITs," he said. Christine Mukharji, director India, ANTO also expressed that Austria was as upcoming destination for more leisure and MICE travellers.