New Delhi, February 2024.

Aligning with the strategic roadmap for the Indian market, South African Tourism is delighted to announce the 2024 edition of its annual India roadshow. Serving as an essential tool in promoting travel and tourism for the Rainbow Nation, the roadshow for the first time ever will enter the pink city of Jaipur. Scheduled from 12^th -16^th February 2024, the event will further move to other significant Indian cities, namely –Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai in the respective order.

The 20thannual roadshow schedule marks a vital milestone in South African Tourism’s efforts in the Indian market. It will witness the unveiling of the tourism board’s year-long plan to engage with Indian consumers. The novel insights leading to redefined approach will enable the trade partners to tap into India’s growing outbound travel market. Commencing in Jaipur the inaugural roadshow will be complemented by a panel discussion on 11^th February 2024 and agala for more than 150 key delegates and trade partners bringing on ground the sights, sounds, culture, and cuisine of South Africa.

India is currently one of the top three focus markets for South African Tourism across the globe and holds a position of strategic importance. Led by Ms. Neliswa Nkani – Hub Head – Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism the roadshow remains an integral tool in attracting ‘more & more’ consumers to the Rainbow Nation. For years, India has been one of the largest source markets to many destinations across the globe. Owing to the recent uptick in its appetite for outbound tourism, the country is impossible to overlook for any tourism board.

Commenting on the occasion Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South East Asia, South African Tourism said“In 2023, we experienced another year marked by substantial growth in arrivals from the Indian market. Indicative of our successful strategy, the increase in inbound tourism to South Africais a testament to our initiatives undertaken in the preceding year. Through meticulously curated campaigns, we showcased the hidden beauty of South Africa leading us to achieving an impressive recovery of 82% of the pre-pandemic level arrivals from India to South Africa.”

She continues “The overwhelming response not only underscores our commitment to the Indian market but also inches us closer towards our targets of surpassing pre-pandemic arrival figures. Eager to continue building on the robust traveller momentum witnessed so far, our 2024 roadshow promises to provide trade partners with novel and valuable insights. We are confident that our efforts will assist our Indian counterparts in redefining their approach and equip themselves with all necessary tools.”

Paving way for mutually beneficial partnerships with Indian trade buyers, the convention will host more than 40 prominent exhibitors from the Rainbow Nation out of which 14 are SMMEs. It is also key to note that this year over 40% are new products. Each year, Indian and South African trade partners come together during the annual trade schedule and chart the way forward for next phase of growth. Reputed companies such as Ethiopian Airlines, The Westin Hotels – Cape Town, SA Forest Adventures, and government authorities such as JoBurg Tourism, WesGro and more will showcase their latest offerings, promoting comforting stays, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable experiences.

In 2023, South African Tourism made a giant leap forward and inched closer to its target of surpassing pre-pandemic arrivals from India. It is worth noting that Indian travellers are the largest consumer of adventure in the Rainbow Nation. Besides, the country is also home to the largest population of Indian diaspora outside India. As the ongoing conversations for improved accessibility through e-visa pilot program and direct air-connectivity make headway, the bond between the two nations will only flourish further. At present, several stop-over flights fly from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Seychelles.