In March 2006, the world's sporting attention will turn to Melbourne, Australia. Many of the world's greatest athletes, representing 71 nations and a third of the world's population, will compete in the XVIII Commonwealth Games.
The 2006 Commonwealth Games will be a spectacular celebration of more than just sport; it will also be a celebration of Melbourne's identity and cultural diversity.
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Tourism Victoria Regional Manager (South Asia) Ms Celia Ho said the Games is the most significant event on Australia's tourism horizon and Tourism Victoria would target Indian travellers in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games and beyond.
"Indians are passionate about sport and are strong supporters of the Commonwealth Games. This was obvious at the 2002 Manchester Games when India took home 30 gold medals, just narrowly behind Canada with 31," Ho said.
"With New Delhi preparing to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Indians will be focusing even more on Melbourne in 2006 and we are anticipating that many Indians will be among the expected 40,000 international visitors during the Games.
"The 2006 Commonwealth Games will eclipse the 1956 Olympic Games -- another of Melbourne's great sporting achievements -- both in terms of size and complexity.
"Every year, Melbourne's events calendar is brimming with exciting festivals, shows and sporting action. But these are not just any events -- they are the best the world has to offer," Ho added
On Victoria's events calendar are more than 20 international events including the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments for the year, the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and the excitement of the Boxing Day cricket Test match.
One of the reasons behind Melbourne's success as a sporting capital is its world class venues.
Ho said in the lead up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Victoria's State Government is undertaking a range of sporting infrastructure developments which would ensure the State's capacity to continue to host world class sporting events.
"First, we have the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with its capacity of 100,000 -- this is where all the excitement of the opening and closing ceremonies and track and field will take place.
"The MCG is currently under major redevelopment and, as a result, we will have new and improved grandstands for the 2006 Games."
The 2006 Commonwealth Games competition schedule includes highlights such as aquatics, athletics, badminton, hockey, shooting and weightlifting.
Official travel agents are currently being appointed in India and around the world to help international visitors plan their Games holiday experience in Australia. These travel agents will be announced in the near future.
In the meantime, international visitors can start planning their stay by visiting the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games website http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/, or for information on Melbourne and Victoria, visitors can check the website http://www.visitmelbourne.com/.
