Corporate Think Tank programmes have emerged as an essential platform for South African Tourism to understand and simplify corporate travel needs for Indian businesses
After concluding the Annual India Roadshow 2024 in one of its largest markets, South African Tourism has commenced the third edition of its incentive travel initiative, Corporate Think Tank.
In a press statement, South African Tourism says that following its inaugural event in Mumbai and its second chapter in Delhi, the event recently concluded its third chapter in Bengaluru on March 7. It is now gearing up to arrive in Chennai on March 15 and Hyderabad on March 22.
The board says that Corporate Think Tank programmes have emerged as an essential platform for South African Tourism to understand and simplify corporate travel needs for Indian businesses.
The board adds that it has observed a visible appetite for South Africa as an incentive destination against the backdrop of increased focus on such travel programmes by Indian corporates.
It goes on to add that hosting such events enables the tourism board to connect with decision makers and solidify its relationships. The statement adds that owing to attractive exchange rates in comparison with USD and GBP, South Africa remains one of the most affordable and accessible international destinations.
Led by Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head, Middle East, India and South-East Asia, South African Tourism the Corporate Think Tanks are specifically curated to be highly interactive and encourage attendees to participate in a healthy free flowing discussion, the board says.
The statement adds that at a time when outbound tourism from India is “firing all cylinders,” engagement sessions such as these assist in setting the ground for quick recall and are particularly aimed at capitalising on the growing demand in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) travel segment.
“Today, South Africa stands out as a preferred premier yet value for money destination in conducting vital business events for corporates from India and around the world. Our recent successful hosting of BRICS Summit serves as a testament to the Rainbow Nation’s world class capabilities in supporting large scale conventions as well as intimate corporate gatherings,” says Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head, Middle East, India and South-East Asia, South African Tourism.
The statement adds that conversations during the session touched upon varied subjects from South Africa’s infrastructure in accommodating corporate travellers, closed door meetings and seminars to the destination’s USP for incentive led travel.
“India has been a long-standing ally to South Africa, and it is heartening to witness the friendship materialising in an economically beneficial partnership for both the nations. The country has been fast climbing up the ladder of outbound tourism and emerged amongst the leading contributors to the travel and tourism sector from Asia. On the back of strengthening demand, we hope to continue building on the MICE travel momentum from India in 2024,” Nkani adds.
SAT says that India holds a position of strategic importance for South African Tourism and has cemented itself amongst the top three growth markets. The board says that Bengaluru is a city of foremost significance in realising the tourism board’s MICE arrivals targets from India.
The statement adds that for employees arriving on incentive trips, many opportunities await from surfing through wildlife safari’s, road-tripping famous routes or basking in the nation’s natural beauty, all within a week, with corporate visas processed within 5-7 working days.
Overall, South Africa welcomed 79,774 Indian travellers last year, marking an increase of 43 pc in visitors from India on a year-on-year basis. Notably, 46 pc of overall travellers were motivated by business travel of which MICE alone attracted 21 pc signifying its underlying potential, the board says.
It adds that to further propel this momentum, the tourism board will continue with its efforts to improve accessibility and encourage dialogues aimed at establishing direct air connectivity to boost tourism and trade between the two nations.
