South Africa Roadshows receive great response; big expectations from India market
South African Tourism in the last month hosted its biggest independent travel trade initiative in the country - the annual roadshow in the four Indian cities of Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head, MEISEA, South African Tourism and a few stakeholders shared their views on the India market with TTJ.
This year, the 36-member South African trade delegation reiterated the tourism board’s emphasis on expanding the destination and product offering – thus, offering Indian consumers more options. In addition to experiences, representatives from accommodation establishments, destination management companies, South African Provinces, SMMEs, and women-owned companies showcased their products and services while engaging Indian travel and trade associates.
“Given that we were one of the first movers when it came to a physical tradeshow in India post-pandemic, the response we received from trade and media was phenomenal! We had over 1113 Indian buyers interact and do business with the thirty-six suppliers at South African Tourism’s 2022 India Roadshow,” said Neliswa when asked about the response to the roadshows.
The roadshow saw tremendous interest from Indian buyers in the adventure and glamping experiences that South Africa has to offer, in addition to unexplored provinces and offbeats regions. Neliswa also said, “We get a sense that MICE is going to drive a large percentage of Indian corporate visitors to South Africa this year. Over one in four Indian arrivals to South Africa are motivated by MICE. There has been an increase in production companies and corporates booking group trips to South Africa, for film shooting, incentives and business travel.”