Tourism Australia’s Business Events Australia has strengthened its presence in India with the appointment of Sharmishtha Patange as Business Events Manager – India, effective June 8, 2026.
In her new role, Sharmishtha will support the implementation of Business Events Australia’s distribution strategies and partnerships across India’s MICE industry. She will also work closely with key customers and stakeholders to drive business events and incentive travel to Australia.
The appointment comes as Business Events Australia increases its focus on the Indian market and expands support through its Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP). The program provides financial assistance to event planners and corporate clients, helping them choose Australia as a destination for large-scale business events and incentive travel.
As part of the enhanced support for India, new subvention funding has been introduced for short-term incentive groups of at least 400 delegates travelling to Australia before May 31, 2027. The funding can be used to offset on-ground expenses such as accommodation, venue hire and transport, making Australia an even more attractive destination for incentive travel.
India continues to be a key growth market for Australia’s business events sector. According to Tourism Research Australia’s latest International Visitor Survey data, business events visitation from India grew by 9 per cent year-on-year in 2025, with 44,417 delegates travelling to Australia. Total expenditure from Indian business event visitors increased by 12 per cent year-on-year, reaching nearly AUD 279 million.
Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India, Tourism Australia, said, “India is a critical growth market for Tourism Australia, driven by improved bilateral relationships and the future scale of the market. We’re thrilled to support short-term event bids from India via our Bid Fund Program and nurture key customer relationships through the support of a new dedicated Business Events resource. By doubling down on our Bid Fund Program and placing a dedicated expert on the ground, we are ensuring that Australia’s incentive offering remains top-of-mind for planners and corporate clients in India.”
The appointment reflects Tourism Australia’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with the Indian MICE industry while creating new opportunities for business events and incentive travel between the two countries.
