Celebrating 30 years of bilateral relations with India this year, South African Tourism is looking to further cement relationships with what has been identified as a key source market to drive growth and recovery for the country.

To that end, the marketing body and a contingent of 20 South African suppliers catering for the Indian market – led by SA Tourism’s Hub Head for Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, Neliswa Nkani – are participating in the four-day Travel & Tourism Exchange, which kicked off yesterday (Thursday, February 9) in New Delhi.

South African Tourism will then host its India Roadshow 2023 in key markets such as Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai between February 13 and 16.

The list of SA suppliers participating in these trade shows include Sun International, Glamping Adventures, Mbombela Experience and Kwantu Private Game Reserve, amongst others.

“Their offerings comprise exceptional stay amenities, luxury experiences, offbeat activities and advanced MICE infrastructure, along with adventure, wildlife, and culinary activities,” explained Nkani, who said the roadshow would present innovative and one-of-a-kind destination offerings for South Africa’s Indian trade partners to see, experience and taste what the country had to offer.

Amongst others, former Master Chef South Africa contestants, Chef Siphokazi Mdlankomo and Chef Abigail Mbalo, will oversee the creation of authentic South African delicacies and tasting menus at the stands.

Annual targets surpassed

Nkani highlighted that SA Tourism had, over the past year, successfully surpassed its annual targets by attracting 33 900-plus Indian travellers to the country – making India South Africa’s sixth-largest inbound source market.

She said SA Tourism would build on this momentum for 2023 by diversifying the way the body promoted South Africa, and explore how to appeal to the core passions of Indian travellers – including their growing thirst for adventure.

Nkani noted that, with improved air access to South Africa, there was further promise of tourism growth from the subcontinent.

While there is no direct flight as yet, several stop-over flights fly from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Seychelles.