Following a successful roadshow kick-off at OTM Mumbai, South African Tourism has now successfully completed the Kolkata 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 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 drew participation from over 220 Indian travel trade agents in Kolkata. Continuing its focused engagement with the Indian market, the multi-city initiative will next move to Delhi on 12th February 2026, further strengthening trade collaborations and encouraging outbound travel to South Africa.
Sharing her 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, “Kolkata continues to be a significant source market for South Africa in India, with travellers from the city demonstrating a strong inclination towards culturally rich and experience-driven travel. These travellers value immersive journeys that combine heritage, nature, and authentic local encounters, and are increasingly open to exploring long-haul destinations. Through the roadshow, we aim to deepen our engagement with Kolkata’s travel trade and further strengthen South Africa’s visibility and resonance in this important market.”
Kolkata remains a strategically important market for South African Tourism, underpinned by sustained interest and a mature outbound travel base. Beyond traditional attractions, travellers from the city are increasingly seeking well-curated itineraries that balance leisure, adventure, and premium experiences, with wildlife safaris continuing to feature prominently. By working closely with the travel trade, South African Tourism aims to align its offerings with these evolving preferences and drive greater depth of travel and repeat visitation from the region.
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.
