South African Tourism says that over 500 trade partners attended the event
In an attempt to boost the footfall of Indian tourists, South African Tourism has launched its 21st Annual India Roadshow with the debut meet held in New Delhi on Tuesday. The event seeks to enhance collaboration with Indian travel trade agents, aiming to boost outbound tourism to South Africa by forging stronger business connections.
In a press statement South African Tourism says that over 500 trade partners attended the event, with 40 exhibitors showcasing their offerings.
It adds that the roadshow, which will continue in Chennai and Mumbai on March 19 and 20, is part of South Africa’s strategy to tap into the growing Indian travel market.
According to statement, Indian demand for travel to South Africa continues to rise, with New Delhi serving as a major source market. In 2024, 22.6 pc of Indian tourists to South Africa came from New Delhi.
It adds that South Africa is seeing growing interest from travellers above 40, as well as younger segments, with both groups seeking a combination of luxury and adventure. In 2024, 77 pc of New Delhi travellers to South Africa expressed interest in shopping, while 21 pc were drawn to adventure activities.
The statement adds that as part of efforts to streamline travel, South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) are set to simplify visa processing for Indian tourists.
It adds that South African Tourism is in discussions to establish direct flight routes between the two countries, which could further increase visitor numbers.
Gcobani Mancotywa
“India has always been a high-priority market for South African Tourism, with strong demand from family travellers, adventure seekers, and luxury tourists. While family travel remains a steady segment, we are now witnessing a significant rise in travellers above the age of 40 exploring South Africa. At the same time, the younger demographic presents a promising opportunity, and tapping into this segment will be a key focus for us moving forward,” says Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager for Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, South African Tourism.
“In 2024, out of the 75,541 Indian tourists who visited South Africa, an impressive 22.6 pc were from New Delhi, reaffirming the capital’s strong outbound potential. Bollywood and cricket two of India’s greatest passions continue to be at the core of our strategic outreach. From hosting film productions to leveraging cricket’s deep-rooted influence, we aim to create stronger cultural connections that inspire more Indian travellers to experience the magic of South Africa. We remain committed to deepening these ties and welcoming more visitors from India to the Rainbow Nation. Travel convenience is a key factor in destination preference, and we are actively working with stakeholders to improve connectivity and simplify entry requirements for Indian travellers.” he adds.
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