South Africa has long been running its annual campaign 'Learn SA' to promote knowledge of tour operators (Photo: South African Tourism)
South African Tourism has concluded the third leg of its 10th edition of the ‘Learn South Africa’ workshop in Kochi, following successful events in Chandigarh and Nagpur. This initiative aimed to engage key travel trade partners across India, particularly focusing on the growing interest from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
In a press statement, the tourism promotion organisation of South Africa said that over 100 travel trade partners from Kochi participated in the event, offering beyond its well-known destinations like Cape Town and Johannesburg and helping them to gain insights into South Africa’s hidden gems such as Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
The statement adds that India remains one of the largest source markets for South Africa, with increasing interest from smaller cities like Kochi. Indian travellers are on the lookout for diverse experiences that range from thrilling adventures to rich cultural explorations. In response to this demand, the workshop equipped travel partners with the necessary knowledge and tools to create customised itineraries tailored for travellers in India. The objective of South African Tourism is to position the Rainbow Nation as a premier choice for leisure and MICE travel, says the tourism board.
Gcobani Mancotywa
“We have witnessed notable trends among Kochi travellers, such as a growing preference for experiential travel, wellness tourism, and adventure activities. Further, travellers from this region are rapidly emerging as a significant market for South African tourism, we have seen a notable increase in inquiries from local travellers seeking unique and offbeat experiences in H1 2024. Our collaboration with local trade partners has been exceptionally positive, reinforcing our belief that this will drive more Indian travellers to explore the lesser-known regions of South Africa. These workshops are integral to our strategy of showcasing the diverse and enriching experiences our country has to offer, beyond the usual hotspots,” says Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager for Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East, South African Tourism.
According to the statement, Kochi has witnessed a growing preference among both leisure and business travellers, significantly contributing to the increase in footfall to the Rainbow Nation. Indian travellers are becoming increasingly adept at finding the best value for their trips, with South Africa emerging as a top choice due to the favourable exchange rate.
Additionally, 19 pc of Indian travellers are motivated by visiting friends and relatives (VFR), while business travellers represent 46 pc of the overall Indian arrivals, highlighting the growing interest in both personal and professional trips to South Africa.
The 10th edition of ‘Learn South Africa’ in Kochi marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to strengthen partnerships with India’s travel trade professionals. Aligned with the board’s strategic vision of promoting South Africa as a versatile destination, the Rainbow Nation is expanding its reach into Tier-II cities across India, adds the statement.
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