At a leading hotel in Mumbai, South African Tourism wrapped up the second edition of its in-person Corporate MICE programme
South African Tourism has wrapped up the second edition of its in-person Corporate MICE programme at a leading hotel in Mumbai, reiterating its commitment to the Indian business and MICE travel industry. The tourism board witnessed great success with the first edition of this programme, which also served as a powerful platform for investigating business and corporate event potential for South Africa.
In a press statement the organisers say that in order to capitalise on the rising demand for MICE travel, engagement initiatives like Corporate Think Tank complement the tourist board’s well-thought-out strategy and enable them to speak with and meet the needs of the decision-makers in charge of their company’s corporate travel arrangements.
The board says that Mumbai, the financial hub of India, is a key component of South African Tourism’s strategies to boost MICE tourism to the Rainbow Republic. In 2022, more than 40 pc of city’s residents accounted for the total Indian MICE and business excursions to South Africa. Mumbai is projected to continue to be the major source of business and MICE travellers from India as it gains momentum, says the statement.
South African Tourism in India adds that under the direction of Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head, Middle East, India and South-East Asia, South African Tourism, the interaction with corporates was centred on discovering fresh possibilities within the location for hosting MICE travellers. Additionally, it offered an in-depth understanding of the MICE market as a whole, an advanced grasp of customer demands and expectations, and most crucially, it assisted in educating the decision-makers about the many business-oriented amenities that the destination has to offer.
The organisers add that moderated by Kamal Gill, Director, OptiMICE Events, the discussions covered a wide range of subjects including the upcoming employee engagement cycle, USPs of South Africa for MICE groups, the support offered by the tourism board as well as the activities that can be explored by potential MICE groups in the new era.
Neliswa Nkani
“Corporate India’s increasing interest in hosting global meetings, key conventions and important exhibitions in South Africa is a testament towards the world-class business facilities the country has to offer. The Rainbow Nation has evolved as a destination with a winning combination for India’s business and MICE travellers owing to the affordability and engagement opportunities available. It is heartening to see more and more corporate houses choosing South Africa as the preferred destination for addressing their business needs,” says Nkani of South African Tourism.
“The strengthening economic ties between both nations presents us with a great opportunity to capitalise on the increasing demand for MICE tourism. Keeping in mind the ever-growing size of the Indian economy, we are aiming for a 35 pc growth in MICE travellers from India in 2023,” she adds.
The organisers say that post the pandemic, India moved up two spots to become the 6th largest international source market for South Africa. In 2022, the Rainbow Nation witnessed over a 200 pc surge in travellers from the country and welcomed nearly 50,000 Indians till November. With over 1 in 4 Indian arrivals to South Africa motivated by MICE, the country continues to remain amongst the top-3 focus markets for South African Tourism. Raising its targets for this year, the tourism board is aiming for a 35 pc increase in MICE travellers from the metros and Tier-2 markets in 2023 and will continue to interact with potential audiences through such highly engaging events, says the tourism board.
