India and the Australian state of Queensland have agreed to enhance levels of cooperation in the tourism sector. Smt. Ambika Soni, India`s Minister of Tourism and Culture had met with the Ms. Margaret Keech the Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development and Women, Queensland, Australia.

During the Meeting the visiting dignitary said she is looking for bigger cooperation between Queensland and India in tourism sector. She mentioned a ten year tourism strategy prepared by Queensland with a focus on Eco – tourism. Smt. Ambika Soni showed keen interest in the subject and requested the visiting dignitary to send papers relating to the strategy to her ministry so that India can also benefit in the field of Eco-tourism.

A plan of action is already adopted between India and Australia to enhance cooperation in Eco-tourism in October, 2006 at the India – Australia Eco Tourism Conclave which was held at New Delhi. Ms. Margaret Keech said Queensland consider India as a key market in tourism sector and wants a closer interaction with Union Tourism Ministry as well as State Tourism ministries in India.

Thew two countries signed an MOU on cooperation in the field of tourism in April, 2002. The MOU provides for cooperation in several areas in the tourism sector and for extension of tourism relations between India and Australia.The Australian outbound market is important for India. At present, more than one lakh tourists are coming from Australia to India annually. In the year 2004 more than fifty five thousand tourists from India travelled to Australia.