SA Specialist, South African Tourism’s interactive online learning programme, has witnessed an increase in the number of Indian travel trade personnel undertaking the training as agents use the lockdown to upskill and reskill themselves on South Africa, one of the most sought after outbound destinations in India.

Commenting on the importance of trade trainings during this dull period, Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism said, “We are proud that the travel fraternity as always has shown resilience, and is taking proactive steps to turn a global crisis into a learning opportunity by educating and upskilling themselves. It gives me great pleasure to share that in less than 4 months of 2020, the SA Specialist programme saw 1,161 new registrations from India, with 672 graduates thus far! Indian registrations account for nearly one-third of our global registrations for 2020. Since 2013, India has had the highest number of SA Specialists after South Africa.”

Through the SA Specialist programme agents can become a South African Tourism-accredited travel specialist who has the knowledge to sell South Africa as a destination. They are also entered into the South African Tourism (SAT) database of SAT specialists, thus improving their marketability. Qualified agents will receive a certificate confirming that they have successfully completed the relevant course, and will be entitled to use the name ‘SA Specialist’ or ‘South African travel expert’ in their marketing materials.

From January to December 2019, the destination welcomed 95,621 Indian visitors to South Africa – a 2.3 pc YoY increase. The average length of stay saw an 8 pc YoY increase in the first half of 2019 from 25 nights to 27 nights. Total Indian traveller spends in the first half of 2019 were at a four-year high, with South African Tourism achieving 64 pc of its annual spends target within this period!