South African Tourism Soars with Indian Travelers

SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM THRIVES AS INDIAN VISITORS SURGE, WITH PUNE LEADING THE WAY. STRATEGIC EXPANSION PLANS SIGNAL A GROWING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO NATIONS.

South African Tourism soars with Indian travelers, as the mesmerizing, vibrant culture continue to capture the hearts of Indian tourists. In the spotlight of 2023’s ‘Learn South Africa,’ Neliswa Nkani, the Hub Head for the Middle East, India, and South-East Asia at South African Tourism, extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Indian trade fraternity. Their active participation and enthusiasm have been pivotal in the success of the event. That can lay the foundation for enduring partnerships that promise growth in the years to come.

Growing Interest from Pune

One of the standout contributors to this surge is Pune, an emerging source market for South African Tourism in India. Both business and leisure travelers from Pune have increasingly chosen South Africa as their preferred destination. In the period from January to June 2023, the tourism board witnessed an impressive 18% jump in business travelers from Pune compared to the same period in 2022. Notably, over 88% of travelers from the city opted for South Africa for their business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) initiatives.

South African Tourism soars with Indian travelers, this year’s collaborative efforts and novel initiatives have not gone unnoticed. SA Tourism recorded over 80% growth in arrivals from January to July 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. South African Tourism’s commitment to India is evident. As it remains one of the top three focus markets in the tourism board’s global strategy.

Expansion Plans

Nkani expressed a dedication to innovation and exploring newer avenues of association. The plan is to expand programs like ‘Learn South Africa’ to tier-2 and tier-3 cities in the Indian market. This strategic move is expected to further strengthen the bond between India and South Africa, bringing in more visitors from diverse regions.