The SAT Woos Some Of The Amazing Indian Tourists
In keeping with the strategy plan for the Indian market, South African Tourism (SAT) visited the nearly 300-year-old pink city of Jaipur in 2024 as part of its yearly India tour. Jaipur is home to enormous forts and magnificent palaces.
The roadshow, which took place between February 12 and 16, 2024, also stopped at Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, in that sequence, among other important Indian cities.
An important turning point in South African tourism’s efforts in the Indian market was the 20th annual roadshow schedule. South African Tourism revealed its year-long strategy to interact with Indian customers at the roadshow. The trade partners were able to take advantage of India’s expanding outbound travel industry thanks to the insights that led to a redesigned strategy. The first roadshow, which began in Jaipur, was accompanied by a panel discussion on February 11, 2024, and a gala event that brought the sights, sounds, culture, and food of South Africa to more than 150 important delegates and trade partners.
When it comes to foreign arrivals in South Africa, India ranks sixth among the source markets. The roadshow, which is spearheaded by Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head, Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism, is a crucial instrument in drawing “more and more” tourists to the “Rainbow Nation.” India has long been one of the main markets from which goods are sent to numerous countries worldwide. The nation is too important for any tourist authority to ignore, given the recent surge in its desire for outward travel.
Neliswa Nkani, the Hub Head for Tourism in South Africa for the Middle East, India, and South East Asia, spoke at the event and stated, “We experienced another year marked by substantial growth in arrivals from the Indian market in 2023.” The rise in the number of Indian tourists visiting South Africa is a reflection of our effective marketing strategies and our ongoing collaboration with different trade partners in South Africa and the international market. We brought attention to South Africa’s hidden beauty through painstakingly insights-driven campaigns, and between January and December 2023, we welcomed 79,774 visitors from India—a 43.7 percent rise over 2022.
“Our 2024 roadshow is eager to build on the strong momentum we’ve already seen and promises to offer trade partners fresh and insightful information.” We have no doubt that our work will help our Indian counterparts redefine their strategy and arm themselves with the essential resources.
Opening doors for profitable collaborations with Indian trade buyers, the conference will feature over 40 eminent South African exhibitors, 14 of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. It’s also important to remember that more than 40% of the products this year are new. During the annual trade calendar, South Africa’s and India’s trading partners meet together to map out the next stage of their mutual growth. Reputable partners like Ethiopian Airlines, The Westin Hotels in Cape Town, SA Forest Adventures, and government agencies like The Johannesburg Tourism Company, WesGro, and others displayed their newest products and services, promising cosy lodgings, exhilarating excursions, and life-changing experiences.
It is interesting to note that one of the main markets for adventure tourism in South Africa is comprised of Indian visitors. Furthermore, the country is home to the greatest number of Indian diaspora residents outside of India. The two nations’ relationship is expected to get stronger still as talks to improve accessibility through the e-visa pilot programme and the establishment of direct air links continue. There are now a number of layover flights—including those run by Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Air Seychelles—that connect India with South Africa.
