Tourism Update asked readers which of their products appealed to the interests of Indian tourists. Here are some of the responses.

1. Mabula Game Lodge

“Mabula Game Lodge is ideal for Indian travellers and has developed a perfect programme that includes a number of activities, including horseback safaris, archery, cheetah tracking on foot, quad-bike safaris, visits to the reptile centre, speciality African entertainment and several other value-added offers.  

The lodge has upgraded its kitchen facilities to cater for visiting guest chefs. The resident lodge Indian chef ensures that a wide variety of Indian cuisine is available on the buffet, specifically Indian vegetarian and bread dishes.

We have Hindi-speaking guest relations staff to ensure our Indian guests feel completely at home.”

Cindy Sheedy Walker, CEO – Extraordinary Sales and Marketing

2. Guided journeys by Thompsons Africa

“Thompsons Africa has seen the numbers of Indian travellers increasing on our Guided Journey scheduled departures recently. When conducting 'acid test' calls with clients, we uncovered that this was largely due to the minimum numbers not materialising for ad hoc groups or group series. This leads to a certain 'wash' where those consumers who were keen to experience Southern Africa were either lost or sold a different destination. A simple solution for our clients is to sell these pax on to our Guided Journeys at a highly competitive price, offering various local and regional routings on frequent guaranteed departure dates.”

Andrew Camp, Thompsons Africa

3. Southern Africa 360 Luxury Holidays

“We have many years’ experience in the Indian travel market and have attended the past four South African Tourism roadshows to India. We sell guided and self-drive tours, mostly to FITs, families and small groups. 

Our most popular package is our nine-day Highlights Tour, which includes three nights in Cape Town,  two nights in the Garden Route, two nights at Sun City and one night in Johannesburg. Common add-ons are a two-night safari in either Kruger or the Waterberg or two nights at Victoria Falls. This product is well-suited as it includes the must-see destinations for Indians and can be offered on different accommodation levels to suit budgets.”

Collin Thaver: Southern Africa 360 Luxury Holidays

4. Misty Hills Country Hotel

“The ITC Hotel Group of India recently agreed to the appointment of Chef Shabbir Ahmed, who has worked in some of India’s most prestigious establishments, on a year’s contract to The Recreation Africa Group.

Chef Ahmed is based at Misty Hills Country Hotel, set in a lush, landscaped botanical garden in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg. It is the perfect retreat for guests seeking tranquillity and comfort, with easy access to major metropolitan centres.

Ahmed has implemented a training programme, sharing his knowledge of Indian, Tandoori and Fusion cuisine. Guests to Kedar and Misty Hills experience authentic Indian fare and regular buffets featuring venison curry.”

Vanessa Hetzel, Misty Hills Country Hotel

5. Home from Home apartments

“There is a growing trend that consumers are looking for spaces that allow for sharing travel experiences in groups or with their families and friends. This is also the case with the Indian market. Home from Home provides spacious luxury self-catering accommodation in the heart of Cape Town, close to major attractions and business centres, with all the added guest services such as airport transfers, front office support, housekeeping and tours.

Our apartments offer open-plan living areas, well equipped kitchens with a lounge/dining area and access to pool and fitness facilities. Our service to guests is about comfort, convenience, access and affordability.”

Alfred Thutloa, Home from Home

6. Premiere Classe Suite Apartments

“Premiere Classe Suite Apartments offers self-catering accommodation in northern Johannesburg, ideal for leisure or business travellers and sports teams. The toilets have been designed with Muslim guests in mind, something that our guests appreciate.

The suites are child and pet friendly and are located near Rosebank, Melrose Arch and Sandton. The apartments are close to outstanding restaurants and speciality shops, entertainment and sporting facilities, such as Wanderers cricket and golf clubs and Discovery Soccer Park, ideal for Indian tourists.”

Belinda Louw, Premiere Classe