In line with the strategic roadmap for the Indian market, South African Tourism is pleased to announce the 2024 edition of its annual India Roadshow. The roadshow, which serves as an essential tool in promoting travel and tourism in the rainbow nation, will enter the pink city of Jaipur for the first time. Scheduled from February 12 to 16, 2024, the event will further travel to other important cities of India, namely Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai.
The 20th annual roadshow schedule marks an important milestone in South African Tourism's commitment to the Indian market. The tourism board's annual plan to engage with Indian consumers will be announced. Fresh insights that redefine approaches will enable trading partners to tap into India's growing outbound travel market. The first roadshow, starting in Jaipur, will be complemented by a panel discussion and gala for over 150 key delegates and trading partners on 11 February 2024, highlighting the sights, sounds and culture of South Africa. , the food will be delivered locally.
India is currently one of the top three focus markets for South African tourism globally and occupies a strategically important position. South African Tourism's roadshow, led by Middle East, India and South East Asia hub director Neliswa Nkani, continues to be an essential tool in attracting “more and more” consumers to the Rainbow Nation. For many years, India has been one of the largest supply markets to many destinations around the world. With the increased desire to travel abroad these days, this country cannot be overlooked by any tourism board.
Commenting on the opportunity, Neliswa Nkani, South African Tourism Hub Director for the Middle East, India and South East Asia, said: “2023 is also marked by a significant increase in the number of arrivals from the Indian market. The increase in inbound tourism to South Africa is evidence of the work we have undertaken in the previous year, demonstrating the success of our strategy. Through a carefully planned campaign, we were able to showcase South Africa's hidden beauty and achieve an impressive recovery of 82 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in arrivals to South Africa from India. ”
She continued, “The overwhelming response not only underlines our commitment to the Indian market, but also brings us inching closer to our goal of exceeding pre-pandemic arrival numbers seen to date. We are keen to continue building on our strong travel momentum and are committed to delivering fresh and valuable insights to our trade partners with our 2024 Roadshow. We are confident that it will help our peers redefine their approach and equip them with all the tools they need.”
Paving the way for mutually beneficial partnerships with Indian trade buyers, the convention brings together over 40 prominent exhibitors from the Rainbow Nation, of which 14 are SMEs. It is also important that this year he has more than 40% new products. Each year, India and South Africa's trading partners meet during the annual trade schedule to chart a path forward for the next stage of growth. Renowned companies such as Ethiopian Airlines, Westin Hotels – Cape Town, SA Forest Adventures, and government agencies such as Joburg Tourism and Wesgro will be showcasing their latest services and promoting comfortable stays, thrilling adventures and unforgettable experiences. Masu.
In 2023, South Africa's tourism industry took a huge leap forward, inching closer to its goal of surpassing pre-pandemic arrivals from India. It is noteworthy that Indian travelers are the largest adventure consumers in the Rainbow Nation. Moreover, the country is also home to the largest number of Indian diaspora outside India. The bond between the two countries will further flourish as continued discussions progress towards improving accessibility through e-visa pilot programs and direct air connectivity. Several connecting flights operate from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Air Seychelles.
