Australia’s Canberra Sets Sights on India: Major Trade Mission Sparks Massive Education and Tourism Growth

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has set its sights on deepening its ties with India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. In a strategic move to foster stronger educational and tourism links, ACT’s Chief Minister Andrew Barr led a significant six-day trade mission to India. The mission focused on enhancing Canberra’s global footprint, particularly in the areas of international education and tourism.

Education Ties at the Forefront of Canberra’s Trade Mission

The Chief Minister’s delegation included key representatives from prominent educational institutions in Canberra, such as the University of Canberra, the University of New South Wales Canberra, and the Australian National University. These institutions are gaining increasing recognition in India, reflecting Canberra’s growing influence as Australia’s “Knowledge Capital.”

Canberra boasts a dynamic academic environment, enrolling over 60,000 tertiary students each year. India represents the second-largest source of international students, underlining the importance of strengthening educational ties. The city’s universities, research centres, and policy-making institutions are a major draw for students, and the mission served to promote the rich academic and cultural opportunities available in Canberra.

Tourism Expansion to Fuel Growth in the ACT’s Visitor Economy

Tourism was another major focus of the trade mission, with the Indian market seen as a key pillar for the ACT’s visitor economy. India currently ranks as the fifth-largest international market for Canberra, with 15,000 Indian visitors recorded in the 12 months to September 2025. This accounted for approximately 7% of all international arrivals to the territory.

The delegation highlighted the potential for growth in tourism, especially in areas such as leisure travel, business events, and educational tourism. There is a growing interest from Indian students’ families, as well as group tours targeting high school students, which could further enhance tourism numbers. The Chief Minister’s trade mission aimed to tap into this potential and increase Indian tourist numbers, with a target to double the annual visitors to 30,000 by 2026.

Strategic Partnership with Singapore Airlines to Drive Tourism Growth

A key component of the mission involved discussions around boosting connectivity between Canberra and India. Singapore Airlines, which already operates direct flights between major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Singapore, was identified as a vital partner in achieving this goal. The airline’s Singapore to Canberra route is seen as a crucial element for driving more Indian tourists to the territory.

Currently, Singapore Airlines offers connections to major Indian cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Amritsar. The strategic goal is to leverage these existing routes to facilitate future direct services from Singapore to Canberra. By increasing Indian tourist numbers to the capital, the ACT hopes to secure more frequent international flights, making Canberra a more accessible destination for travelers from India and beyond.

The vision is clear: bringing in 600 tourists per week from India would contribute to filling two international flights from Singapore to Canberra. Such growth is seen as a vital step in reinstating the direct Singapore to Canberra flights, which would boost tourism, economic activity, and passenger traffic at Canberra Airport.

Collaborative Effort to Enhance Canberra’s International Appeal

To achieve these ambitious goals, the ACT Government plans to collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including Tourism Australia, VisitCanberra, Canberra Airport, and other tourism partners. These organizations will work together to expand Canberra’s tourism offerings and increase its appeal to Indian travelers. By focusing on leisure tourism, education-related travel, and business events, the ACT aims to attract a diverse range of visitors.

The growing number of international students and the increasing demand for business and leisure tourism from India presents a significant opportunity for the ACT’s tourism sector. The city’s vibrant cultural, academic, and natural offerings make it an attractive destination for a wide range of Indian tourists, including families, students, and business professionals.

Looking Ahead: Canberra’s Future in India’s Expanding Market

Looking ahead, the ACT Government remains committed to strengthening Canberra’s international ties and positioning the city as a leading destination for both education and tourism. The trade mission to India represents just one step in a larger, long-term strategy to enhance the city’s global profile and leverage its strengths in education and tourism.

Through ongoing collaboration with Indian counterparts and key tourism partners, Canberra aims to expand its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic and growing markets. The focus on increasing visitor numbers and educational exchanges is expected to bring lasting economic benefits to the ACT, reinforcing its status as a vital hub for both academic excellence and tourism.

By 2026, the ACT aims to see a significant increase in Indian tourism to Canberra, building on the strong foundation laid by the Chief Minister’s recent mission. With robust support from key stakeholders, including tourism and aviation partners, Canberra’s future in India’s tourism market looks bright, with significant growth potential on the horizon.

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