South Africa witnesses a surge in Indian traveller demand for visas

0
650

South African Tourism concluded yet another successful association with one of South Asia’s travel shows, SATTE 2022. The tourism board showcased destination South Africa and addressed members of the press at the 29th edition of the trade show, held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida in Delhi NCR from May 18-20 May 2022.

South African Tourism, along with 32 prominent South African exhibitors, introduced novel and upgraded destination offerings. The delegation included two key South African provinces namely Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Gauteng Tourism Authority, unique accommodation options, luxury experiences, offbeat activities, SMMEs, advanced MICE infrastructure providers, as well as adventure, wildlife and culinary capabilities. The collective South African exhibition concluded a multitude of productive meetings and new business partnerships with the key players in the travel and tourism industry.

One of the key agendas for the tourism board was to empower local SMMEs, along with youth and women-owned businesses. These businesses – which are the building blocks of the South African economy – are all set to receive a host of Indian visitors and deliver exclusive, customised and memorable experiences to Indian travellers.

Earlier this year, the tourism board outlined a strategic roadmap to garner 64 per cent YoY increase in Indian visitors in 2022. With over 4,600 Indian visitors travelling to South Africa during January and February 2022 itself, the tourism board is well on track to achieve or even surpass these targets, especially with the opening up of international air routes and easing of travel restrictions.

Having successfully launched and promoted diverse, authentic destination offerings via the More and More campaign, that was immediately followed by a 4-city Roadshow in India and experiential consumer, corporate and trade activations, the tourism board is witnessing an uptick in demand for the destination. According to South African Tourism, 7000+ visas have been issued from Delhi and Mumbai until now this year.