Sydney was named Runner Up, Best City in the World, while Australia was named Best Overseas Country.

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase said Sydney was the only Australian city to take home an award at the prestigious event, illustrating the appeal of Sydney to travellers from India.

“Destination NSW is working closely with the tourism industry in India to promote our Sydney and NSW as key destinations,” Ms Chipchase said.

“In the year ending December 2012, NSW received 68,600 overnight visitors from India, spending a total of three million visitor nights and contributing $182 million in visitor expenditure.”

“To develop this market further, Destination NSW has opened a new office in Mumbai and appointed Mr Paramjit Bawa as Country Manager, India, to lead tourism and business development.”

“The Mumbai office and has already had a significant impact on Indian inbound tourism to NSW,” Ms Chipchase said.

Destination NSW Country Manager, India, Paramjit Bawa said Sydney is an ideal destination for travellers from India.

“Sydney is a vibrant city with plenty to offer visitors from India with a mix of world class festivals, sporting events, unique attractions and top-end food and shopping. I am thrilled that this has been recognised by Travel & Leisure,” Mr Bawa said.

The prestigious ‘India’s Best Awards’ are voted for by readers of Travel + Leisure India + South Asia and reflect the views of experienced visitors who travel the world.

Travel + Leisure is a premier travel and lifestyle magazine based in New York, with a global readership of 4.8 million. It has been conducting the iconic World’s Best Awards for over 12 years. After five successful years in the South Asian region, Travel + Leisure India + South Asia launched the first ‘India’s Best Awards’ in 2011.

Other recent award wins for Sydney include:

  • World’s Favourite Overseas City, in the Conde Nast Traveller UK Reader’s Choice Awards

  • World’s Best Festival and Major Events City, by the International Festival and Events Association

  • Top 5 Best World Destinations, in the UK Cruise International Awards

  • Number One City in Australia, in the Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards.

Media Contact: Tim Moyes 0402 375 745

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