Following a successful roadshow kick-off at OTM Mumbai, South African Tourism has now successfully completed the Delhi leg of its Annual India Roadshow, continuing its focused engagement with the Indian travel trade and reinforcing India’s growing importance as a key source market for South Africa. Led by Ms. Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), the roadshow serves as a strategic platform for industry collaboration, insights into evolving traveller behaviour, and the identification of new business opportunities across leisure, corporate and MICE travel segments.
Featuring over 40 exhibitors presenting a diverse range of offerings, the roadshow concluded in Delhi drew participation from over 255 Indian travel trade agents further strengthening trade collaborations and encouraging outbound travel to South Africa.
Sharing his perspective at the roadshow, Karmarkar said, “India continues to be a priority growth market for South African Tourism, driven by strong interest across family travel, experiential holidays, and premium travel. Indian travellers today are also planning differently, using AI-powered tools to research and customise their trips, travelling more occasionally, and showing a growing willingness to explore destinations beyond traditional favourites. This shift in traveller behaviour reflects a more confident and curious audience, and it opens up new opportunities to highlight lesser-known regions and experiences across South Africa.
She further added, “Delhi remains one of South Africa’s most important source markets in India, with travellers from the city showing strong intent for diverse, premium, and experience-led travel. These travellers are well-informed, globally exposed, and increasingly confident in exploring long-haul destinations that offer a mix of culture, wildlife, and leisure. Through the roadshow, we aim to further strengthen our engagement with Delhi’s travel trade and reinforce South Africa’s visibility and relevance in this key market.”
As a high-impact travel market, Delhi plays a pivotal role in driving travellers seeking elevated and bespoke experiences to South Africa, particularly across luxury leisure, and wildlife. Travellers from the city are increasingly seeking curated journeys that go beyond the classics, combining iconic attractions with exclusive, immersive experiences. By strengthening partnerships with the travel trade, South African Tourism aims to unlock new itineraries, drive higher-quality conversions, and sustain long-term growth from this influential market.
South Africa aims to return to pre-COVID levels of Indian tourist arrivals by 2026 and is committed to building lasting partnerships with Indian business partners, offering experiences tailored to diverse traveller profiles and positioning South Africa as a must-visit destination. This roadshow, in addition to reinforcing the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian market, will inspire more and more travellers to explore the Rainbow Land in the coming years.
The country is also set to host the 2027 ODI World Cup, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse tourism attractions and attract visitors from around the globe. Through ongoing trade engagement, targeted consumer outreach, and innovative marketing initiatives, the tourism board remains dedicated to expanding its presence in India.
