New Delhi, Feb. 22 -- Indian tourists flying out for the first time are flocking to southeast Asian countries, while the well-travelled make their way to Europe and North America, combining travel with work and family visits. In this Indian tourism boom, Australia has rapidly climbed the ranks as a preferred destination for premium Indian travellers. How is Down Under wooing Indian travellers? Nishant Kashikar, country manager- India & Gulf for Tourism Australia says it is all about telling real stories from the country and leaning on 'Friends of Australia'. Edited excerpts from an interview:

I've been part of Tourism Australia for 15 years. I've seen it rise from 100,000 tourists to 450,000 tourists as we speak over the past decade and ...