Namaste Westside
Namaste Westside is an integrated visitor service program catering to the rapidly expanding India tourism market. The project centres on the development of “Namaste Westside,” a customised digital platform and mobile app offering curated information and experiences tailored to the cultural preferences of Indian visitors to Melbourne’s diverse Western suburbs region.
Comprehensive research will be undertaken to gain an understanding of the travel patterns and motivations of Indian travellers, along with any gaps in the market or barriers to travel. These insights will help to shape the content that is created and shared online and through the mobile app. Additionally, the project includes extensive community outreach and engagement, with the aim of gaining insights and advice from Melbourne’s Indian community, resulting in an authentic ‘insider’s guide.’
Namaste Westside will also integrate a cultural accreditation scheme, ensuring all featured businesses, tours, attractions and services attain and sustain standards around cultural awareness, responsibility, and service quality. This is designed to boost confidence and satisfaction among visitors. As Indian visitor numbers to Melbourne’s West rapidly increase, Namaste Westside will strengthen cultural ties, showcase the vibrancy of communities, dispel myths and improve the overall visitor experience.
Western Melbourne Tourism will lead the overall coordination of this 18-month project, in partnership with Brimbank City Council, the City of Maribyrnong, Melton City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Hobsons Bay City Council and Wyndham City Council, Victoria University and multicultural consultants Culture Kite. The project is funded by the Victorian Government Visitor Servicing Fund grant, and will begin in December 2024 for completion by mid 2025.
