Author name: Raissa Almira

Turtle Down Under, an established name in Australia and New Zealand’s inbound travel industry, had the distinguished honor of supporting India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, on his recent five-day diplomatic visit to Australia. Dr. Jaishankar’s itinerary included several key engagements. In Brisbane, he inaugurated the new Indian Consulate General and engaged with local leaders to discuss enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties, a vital step toward the robust future of India-Australia relations. In an address to the Indian community, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the QUAD alliance and the mutual commitment to a stable international order.   This significant event underscores the deepening bond between India and Australia and explores avenues for enhanced collaboration across economic, cultural, and educational sectors.  Mr. Abhishek Sonthalia, the Managing Director and Founder of Turtle Down Under, played a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating travel arrangements for this esteemed visit. Reflecting on this opportunity, Mr. Sonthalia shared, “Turtle Down Under is proud to support initiatives that strengthen the India-Australia relationship and celebrate the vibrant Indian diaspora here. This event reinforces our dedication to bridging the cultures and communities of our two nations.”  With over 976,000 people of Indian descent residing in Australia, including around 125,000 in Queensland, the visit symbolizes a step toward deeper community ties and economic collaboration. Notably, Queensland exports approximately 75% of Australia’s goods to India, making the state an essential contributor to bilateral trade.  This partnership marks yet another milestone for Turtle Down Under, reflecting our expertise in managing travel for high-profile events and diplomatic missions. With over eight years of experience and a commitment to quality, Turtle Down Under continues to support events and initiatives that build lasting connections between nations.  About Turtle Down Under  Turtle Down Under is a leading inbound tour operator specializing in creating memorable experiences across Australia and New Zealand for groups, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and individual travelers. With a strong network, exclusive deals, and an innovative approach to itinerary creation, Turtle Down Under is dedicated to providing exceptional travel solutions for global clients. For more information, visit https://turtledownunder.com.au/ 

Sydney, Australia – September 2024 – Turtle Down Under (TDU) is proud to announce  the successful management of the largest MCE (Meetings, Conferences, and Exhibitions) event from India to Australia – CREDAI 2024. With over 1,100 attendees, it marked the largest real estate leaders traveling from India in 2024, purely focused on a conference. Held at the prestigious International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney for 3 days, from 23rd to 26th September, the event united real estate leaders from India to discuss the future of the industry.  TDU went above and beyond by organizing Meet & Greet activations at the aircraft door, ensuring a warm and personalized welcome for each delegate. Over the three days, attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions in two dedicated exhibition halls at the ICC, including Hall 6, which offers 3,000 square meters of flexible space, capable of holding around 1,500 people.  The event opened with an Australian Indigenous Welcome Ceremony, setting the stage for an immersive experience. Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, served as the Chief Guest, delivering insightful remarks on the industry’s innovation and global collaborations.  One of the highlights was an engaging panel discussion led by acclaimed actress Vidya Balan, offering key insights into industry challenges. The discussions were well-received, as real estate leaders from India took the opportunity to explore the future of the sector.  Abhishek Sonthalia, Founder and Managing Director of TDU, was honored on stage for his exceptional contributions to the event’s success. This recognition strengthened TDU’s standing as a leader in travel and event management. Abhishek also met legendary cricketer Brett Lee, who added a personal touch to the event by playing guitar in the band at the Gala Dinner.  After the daily sessions, attendees were transported to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the much-anticipated Gala Dinner on 24th September. Delegates were greeted by fire twirlers, and Bollywood music filled the air as they entered the Noble Dining Room, where a stunning 360-degree video display enhanced the evening’s experience.  TDU also partnered with Encore, the production and exhibition partner, ensuring seamless setup and execution across all components of the event, including the Opening Night, which featured a DJ, saxophone performance, and Brett Lee’s live band. Private transfers were organized for attendees between the airport, hotels, and venues, adding to the convenience and smooth experience.  The three-day event concluded with TDU arranging return transfers for all attendees on 26th September, ensuring they had a comfortable journey back home.  TDU’s Role and Services for CREDAI  2024:  This event followed another large-scale incentive project for JSW Paints, which TDU managed for 800 people in June, proving their capacity to handle high-profile events efficiently.  About Turtle Down Under  Turtle Down Under is an award-winning inbound tour operator with over 8 years of experience, specializing in Groups, MICE, and FIT travel into Australia and New Zealand. TDU has successfully managed large-scale events such as the Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) 2024 and CREDAI 2024, with over 1,100 attendees, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. TDU’s strong supplier relationships allow them to offer exclusive deals and competitive pricing. Their advanced technology platform, SHELL, enables quick itinerary generation, simplifying the travel planning process. With a loyal customer base across 7 countries, TDU delivers world-class travel experiences. Whether for corporate events, conventions, or incentive trips, Turtle Down Under has the expertise to bring your vision to life.  Acknowledgments  TDU expresses its gratitude to CREDAI for the opportunity to manage such a prestigious event. Special thanks to SCG and Encore for their partnership. We look forward to future collaborations.  For more information, please contact:  Turtle Down Under Email: sales@turtledownunder.com.au Website: www.turtledownunder.com.au