Michael Clarke to drive tourists to Australia

Cricket legend Michael Clarke will help drive tourists down under in his new role with Tourism Australia.

The former test captain was announced as a Friend of Australia during Tourism Australia's annual India Travel Mission.

In the new role Clarke, who made his Test debut against India in 2004, will work with Tourism Australia to encourage people in our key international markets, especially India, to visit and experience Australia. The role will include hosting events, media appearances and networking with travel agents and key tourism stakeholders to show the world why there is nothing like Australia.

India is a growing and important tourism market for Australia. Indian visitors are expected to be worth $1.9 billion to the Australian economy by 2020.

For the year-ending March 2017, Australia welcomed 274,500 visitors from India, 15.3 per cent more than the previous year. During the same period Indian visitors spent more than $1.3 billion in Australia, making it the eighth largest market for Australia in terms of money spent by travellers.

The Turnbull Government recognises the importance of the India market to Australia's tourism industry, which is why we have implemented online visa applications and are piloting three year, multiple entry visitor visas. Tourism is also one of the key sectors for the India Economic Strategy, commissioned by the Prime Minister during his visit to India earlier in the year, which will look at opportunities to grow and diversify Australia's economic relationship with India over the coming years.

India is also an important trade and investment partner for Australia. I will lead a business mission to Australia Business Week in India, at the end of the month, that will promote Australian capability and expand Australia's trade, investment and education relationships.