APPOINTMENT

Tourism Australia Appoints Sharmishtha Patange as Business Events Manager – India

Tourism Australia’s Business Events Australia has announced the appointment of Sharmishtha Patange as Business Events Manager – India, effective June 8, 2026.

In her new role, Patange will support the implementation of Business Events Australia’s distribution strategies and partnerships across India’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. She will also engage with key customers and stakeholders to promote business events and incentive travel to Australia.

The appointment comes as Business Events Australia increases its focus on the Indian market and expands its Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP). The program provides financial assistance to event planners and corporate clients to support the selection of Australia as a destination for business events and incentive travel.

As part of its enhanced focus on India, the organisation has introduced additional subvention funding for short-term incentive groups comprising at least 400 delegates travelling to Australia before May 31, 2027. The funding is intended to offset on-ground costs such as accommodation, venue hire, and transport.

India remains a growth market for Australia’s business events sector. According to Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey, business events visitation from India increased by 9 per cent year-on-year in 2025, with 44,417 delegates visiting Australia. Expenditure by Indian business event visitors rose by 12 per cent year-on-year, reaching approximately 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 is part of Tourism Australia’s ongoing efforts to expand its engagement with the Indian MICE industry and support growth in business events and incentive travel between the two countries.