India remains one of the top priority markets for South Africa (Photo: South Africa roadshow 2024)
South African Tourism has announced its annual India roadshow 2025, that will take place from March 18 to March 20 across three key Indian cities including Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai.
In a statement, South Africa Tourism says that the event aims to promote travel and tourism to the Rainbow Nation.
Gcobani Mancotywa
“Our journey in the Indian market has been nothing short of exceptional. Our 2024 roadshow led to over 12,000 trade meetings, generating more than 160,000 immediate leads, a testament to the strong demand for South Africa. In 2024, India recorded 75,541 tourist arrivals to South Africa, marking a 79 pc recovery from pre-Covid levels. With strong momentum, we are setting our sights on a 16 pc increase in arrivals in 2025. Through this roadshow, we aim to deepen engagement with Indian travel trade partners, equipping them with the insights and tools needed to accelerate tourism growth,” says Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager for Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East, South African Tourism.
The statement adds that India remains one of the top priority markets for South Africa and this year’s roadshow will offer stakeholders valuable business opportunities, immersive experiences, and direct engagement with the country’s tourism industry leaders.
The convention will feature over 40 prominent exhibitors from the Rainbow Nation, including 09 SMMEs, underscoring a commitment to inclusivity and business diversification. Notably, over 15 pc of exhibitors will showcase new products and offerings, adding fresh dimensions to South Africa’s appeal.
According to the statement, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille recently announced the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to streamline visa applications for Indian travellers. Additionally, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) portal now live will expedite group visa applications, facilitating a smoother travel process. Discussions are also ongoing to establish direct flight routes between India and South Africa, enhancing connectivity and boosting inbound tourism.
The statement adds that South African Tourism remains focused on key consumer segments, including adventure seekers, luxury travellers, family vacationers, and MICE groups. India’s traveller demographic has evolved significantly, with an increase in visitors aged over 40 in 2024 and a rise in family travel to South Africa.
For South African Tourism, the MICE segment remains a key priority, MICE and business travellers contributing to nearly 49.6 pc of Indian arrivals, out of which MICE alone attracts 20.2 pc of Indian visitors to SA and 29.4 pc business travellers.
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