Brisbane, February 27 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Brisbane and the Gold Coast have formally joined forces in a strategic push to attract more Indian travellers, appointing a dedicated in-market representative and strengthening their pitch for a future direct air connection between India and Queensland.
In a coordinated move, the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), Brisbane Airport, and Experience Gold Coast have appointed Horus Development and Consulting to represent both destinations in India. According to reporting by The Australia Today, the appointment will focus on trade engagement, marketing initiatives and public relations activities aimed at elevating South-East Queensland’s profile among Indian travel buyers, airlines and investors.
India’s importance to Queensland’s tourism sector is rapidly increasing. As highlighted by The Australia Today, India is now ranked among Australia’s top five inbound tourism markets. In the year to September 2025, Queensland welcomed approximately 77,000 Indian visitors who contributed an estimated USD 238.9 million to the state’s economy.
The figures show Brisbane recorded around 46,000 arrivals from India during that period, while the Gold Coast experienced particularly strong growth, with visitor numbers rising 35 per cent to reach 25,000. Industry stakeholders say this upward trajectory strengthens the commercial argument for direct aviation links.
The broader aviation context adds further weight to the proposal. The Australian Financial Review has reported that Brisbane Airport has been actively exploring opportunities to secure nonstop services to India, citing rising passenger volumes, strong education links and expanding business ties between Queensland and Indian cities. Airport executives have indicated that a direct route would reduce travel times and improve convenience for both leisure travellers and the large student and diaspora communities.
The global travel landscape also supports Queensland’s ambitions. The Guardian Australia has reported that India is one of the fastest-growing outbound aviation markets globally, prompting intense competition among Australian states to secure direct connections. Analysts cited in the report said that nonstop services often significantly influence destination choice, particularly for family travel and corporate delegations.
Tourism marketing is being tailored accordingly. ABC News has reported that Tourism and Events Queensland is intensifying promotional campaigns in India, highlighting Queensland’s natural attractions, beaches, wildlife experiences and premium tourism infrastructure. Officials have said that integrating Brisbane and the Gold Coast into a single itinerary enhances appeal and spending potential.
The economic dimension extends beyond leisure travel. According to SBS News, India is one of Australia’s largest sources of international students and skilled migrants, creating steady year-round demand for travel. Experts told SBS that a direct service would likely stimulate additional tourism expenditure, business engagement and conference activity.
Local operators have welcomed the joint initiative. News.com.au reported that hospitality and retail sectors on the Gold Coast see significant growth potential in improved Indian connectivity, arguing that direct flights would boost hotel occupancy, visitor spending and employment.
While no airline has formally confirmed a direct India–Queensland route, stakeholders say discussions and feasibility assessments are ongoing. As reported by The Australian Financial Review, aircraft availability, bilateral air service agreements and sustained passenger demand will ultimately determine timing.
By appointing a dedicated representative in India and presenting a united front, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are signalling that the Indian market is now central to Queensland’s tourism strategy. With visitor numbers climbing and spending already approaching a quarter of a billion US dollars annually, industry leaders argue that a direct flight would not only enhance convenience but also symbolise deepening economic, educational and community ties between Queensland and India.
