Determined to build over the strong travel momentum witnessed in the previous year, South African Tourism concluded its 20th Annual India Roadshow at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai. Kickstarted on 12th February in Jaipur along with a panel discussion on 11th February, the roadshow took place in Delhi on 13th February, Ahmedabad on 14th February and Bengaluru on 15th February. Conducted across five cities in five days, the roadshows witnessed over 12000 meetings and generated more than 1,60,000 on-the-spot leads for South African Tourism, making the initiative a grand success.
India is currently one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets, outpacing Asia and many countries around the world. The country is among the top three focus markets for South African Tourism and holds immense potential in the years to come. The 20th multi-city schedule achieves a vital milestone for South African Tourism, marking more than two decades of its growing investments in India. Led by Neliswa Nkani – Hub Head – Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism the roadshows collectively hosted more than 2000 travel trade partners from across 40 Indian cities. Engaging with the trade fraternity, the tourism board unveiled critical local market insights enabling them to capitalise on growing demand. In addition, the tourism board partnered with the hotel to offer authentic South African cuisine and a glimpse of its culture to the guests.
Strengthening the relationship between Rainbow Nation’s indigenous businesses and Indian buyers, the roadshow hosted 42 prominent trade exhibitors from South Africa. The congregation allowed Indian trade partners to evaluate their inventory and identify potential future collaborations. It is worth noting, amongst the local businesses were 14 SMMEs who along with their counterparts presented a portfolio comprising 40 per cent new products showcasing diversified and affordable offerings. Such events present businesses from both nations with a platform to engage and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
Commenting on the occasion Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South East Asia, South African Tourism said, “The 20th Annual India Roadshow marks more than two decades of South African Tourism’s commitment to the Indian market. 2023 emerged as another successful year for us and we witnessed a 43 per cent increase in travellers from India compared to the previous year. This achievement would not have been possible without relentless efforts from our Indian trade partners and the affection showered upon the Rainbow Nation by Indian travellers; we are truly grateful.”
She continues, “Post resumption of travel activities we have seen India’s outbound tourism market bounce back much stronger compared to rest of the world. Given the immense potential that lies in the Indian market, it continues to remain amongst our top three focus markets for 2024 and holds a position of strategic importance. We hope to keep this momentum going and welcome “more & more” Indian travellers to the Rainbow Nation.”
Known as the financial capital of India, Mumbai has consistently topped the charts and emerged the largest source city for South African Tourism in India. In line with its past trends, inbound tourism from Mumbai grew 37 per cent year-on-year in 2023 and heftily contributed towards leisure and business travel momentum witnessed. Notably, 46 per cent of arrivals from Mumbai gravitated towards exploring the natural attractions of the Rainbow Nation. Overall, South Africa welcomed 43 per cent more travellers from India in the previous year. In its mission to propel the momentum further, the tourism board will continue with its efforts to improve accessibility and encourage dialogues aimed at establishing direct routes to boost tourism and trade between the two nations.
Promoting the destination through the eyes of Indian influencers and entice consumers to explore new provinces, South African Tourism is currently running its flagship “More & More” brand campaign across target cities. The tourism board is also set to host its renown Corporate Think Tank in the coming months to engage with Indian corporates and address their business and MICE travel needs. At present, several stop-over flights fly from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Seychelles.
