South Africa became one of the top tourist destinations for India in 2022 due to its strong recovery efforts and promotion of a variety of destination options. The African nation exceeded its target of bringing 33,900 or more visitors set at the beginning of the recovery year by receiving about 50,000 Indian visitors last year through November. The tourism board wants to surpass last year’s goal by 72% this year.
India has become South Africa’s sixth-largest foreign source market as the two countries commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations. South African Tourism expects a 35% rise in MICE visitors in 2023. To capitalise on this momentum, the tourism board held consumer events at DLF Mall in Saket on February 11 and 12 and roadshows in important Indian cities including Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai between February 13 and 16.
At the annual travel and tourism exhibition, SATTE2023, Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South East Asia, South African Tourism expressed her gratitude to the Indian trade fraternity for their support which helped the country to achieve a 200% increase in Indian arrivals to South Africa. She said, the board is optimistic that India will maintain its recovery trajectory and continue to be one of the source markets for travel to South Africa due to enhanced connectivity, alluring travel deals, and a wide range of experiences available in the country.
