Rohan Bopanna, Sanjana Ganesan and Helly Raichura present the best of Melbourne and regional Victorian experiences
26 September 2024, New Delhi- Visit Victoria, the official tourism body for the State of Victoria in Australia presented an ‘Every bit different’ showcase of major events and experiences awaiting the Indian traveller in Melbourne and Victoria; including the Boxing Day Test against India, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Australian Open, Yayoi Kusama at NGV and the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix™. Present at the event were Brendan McClements, Chief Executive, Visit Victoria and Shae Keenan, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Victoria underscoring the importance India as a market holds for the State.
Also present were Rohan Bopanna, ace tennis player; Sanjana Ganesan, leading cricket host and presenter; and Helly Raichura, renowned Melbourne-based chef and owner of Enter Via Laundry, who joined as advocates for the State, which is gearing up to host the best in sports, food, and cultural experiences over the Australian summer and autumn.
The event unfolded in front of media and trade partners in the form of a fireside chat with Sanjana, who has been visiting Melbourne for a record 20 years for the Australian Open, and recalled some of her favorite cricketing moments that have taken place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
A lunch curated by Chef Helly Raichura, followed the fireside chat, featuring an innovative menu that reflected Melbourne’s cultural vibrancy. Celebrating the fusion of Victorian and Indian influences, each course was inspired by one of three iconic events in Melbourne; the Australian Open, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and Boxing Day Test.
Speaking on the occasion, Brendan McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria, added: “India is demonstrating a huge appetite for travel to Australia, particularly Melbourne and regional Victoria. We share many passions with India, including food, art, culture, sport and coming together to celebrate events. As Australia’s major events capital, Melbourne boasts an incredible array of global sporting, cultural, and culinary experiences. Through these iconic events, we hope to inspire Indian travelers to explore everything Melbourne and Victoria has to offer and make it a must-visit destination on their travel bucket list.”
Chef Raichura commented, “Designing this menu was a deeply personal journey, blending the rich heritage of my Indian roots with the dynamic energy of Melbourne’s iconic events. Each dish was designed to take diners on a journey, highlighting the energy of the Boxing Day Test, the excitement of the Australian Open, and the culinary excellence of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. My goal was to create an experience that celebrates the vibrant fusion of cultures and flavors, offering a true taste of Melbourne’s spirit.”
Rohan Bopanna added: “It’s always an honour to play at the Australian Open, a tournament that holds a special place in my heart. After visiting Melbourne for 20 years, I can confidently say that the energy, passion, and excitement of this city, especially during the Australian Open, is unmatched. Whether it’s tennis or cricket, Melbourne makes every athlete feel at home. The city embraces the spirit of competition, and that’s what makes it so unique.”
Sanjana Ganesan shared, “The India-Australia Boxing Day test match is definitely going to be one for the books. As a fan of the sport, I am really looking forward to immersing myself in the spirit of the game at the iconic MCG which holds so much cricketing history. The best thing about the city of Melbourne is that there’s always so much to explore and it is really pulsing with its own unique energy.”
This event marked a significant step toward strengthening the bond between Indian travelers and Victoria, inviting them to discover Melbourne’s upcoming season of major events and its vibrant offerings.
