As overseas destinations have started to reopen their borders for India, not only are they inviting Indians to explore their country but they are also relaunching their destination with a whole new perspective. South Africa is one such destination. Over the last few months, with improved vaccination rates, easing of key border restrictions and increased travel aspiration from India, South Africa is now buzzing again and looking for adventure – to unwind, to get away from hectic work from home routines and to explore the unknown. In anticipation of this, South African Tourism organised its maiden virtual B2B roadshow targetting the Indian market from October 20- 22, 2021.
With over 100 exhibitors, the virtual roadshow covering the entire range of South African tourism industry, including hotels, tour operators, DMCs, entertainment and theme parks, adventure sites and airlines. During the interactive trade media roundtable Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism and Sthembiso Dlamini, acting chief executive officer at South African Tourism shared insights on the role of the Indian traveller market in reviving SA’s tourism sector, global and India focused recovery efforts by South African Tourism, future travel outlook and projections, along with key announcements which will directly impact outbound Indian travel to South Africa.
“South Africa tourism prioritises India as it is the 8th largest international market for South African tourism. Last financial year we had about 95,000 arrivals from India, which was a 7 pc growth over the previous year. We have been very deliberate in making sure that the South African shores are open to the Indian travellers. So, since last year November we were very clear that we were going to allow Indian communities to enter into South Africa. And that has given us a competitive advantage because we are seeing an increased number of film production. I think 4-5 production companies have been filming across South Africa,” says Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism, who is in charge of the Indian market.
“If you look at the 100 exhibitors that we have in this roadshow, you will find that the activities, they are real. It covers adventure, culture, wellness. We showcase all this to ignite and inspire consumers to travel to South Africa. But the other thing that we want to do is to showcase the affordability, the value for money products which in itself is an attraction,” says Sthembiso Dlamini, acting chief executive officer at South African Tourism.