New Delhi, March 18, 2025: Building on the growing enthusiasm for travel, South African Tourism launched the 21st edition of its Annual India Roadshow in New Delhi. Led by Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager for Asia, Australia, and Middle East, South African Tourism, the roadshow served as a strategic platform to deepen business relationships, address evolving traveller preferences, and unlock new growth opportunities.
With 40 exhibitors showcasing their offerings, the roadshow attracted participation from over 500 Indian travel trade agents in the capital. Strengthening its engagement with the Indian market, the multi-city roadshow will now travel to Chennai and Mumbai on March 19th and 20th 2025 respectively fostering deeper trade partnerships and driving outbound tourism to South Africa.
Commenting during the roadshow, Mancotywa stated, “India has always been a high-priority market for South African Tourism, with strong demand from family travellers, adventure seekers, and luxury tourists. While family travel remains a steady segment, we are now witnessing a significant rise in travelers above the age of 40 exploring South Africa. At the same time, the younger demographic presents a promising opportunity, and tapping into this segment will be a key focus for us moving forward.”
He continued, “In 2024, out of the 75,541 Indian tourists who visited South Africa, an impressive 22.6% were from New Delhi, reaffirming the capital’s strong outbound potential. Bollywood and cricket—two of India’s greatest passions—continue to be at the core of our strategic outreach. From hosting film productions to leveraging cricket’s deep-rooted influence, we aim to create stronger cultural connections that inspire more Indian travelers to experience the magic of South Africa. We remain committed to deepening these ties and welcoming more visitors from India to the Rainbow Nation”
New Delhi remains a key source market for South African Tourism, serving as one of India’s most dynamic travel hubs. Known for their evolving travel preferences, Delhiites seek a mix of luxury shopping and high-adrenaline adventures. In 2024, 77% of New Delhi travellers to South Africa showed a strong interest in shopping, while 21% were drawn to adventure activities, highlighting a demand for both indulgence and thrill. Recognizing this evolving traveller profile, South African Tourism is strategically engaging New Delhi’s travel trade community to promote its diverse offerings and further strengthen the destination’s appeal in the market.
As part of ongoing efforts to streamline travel, South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) are set to significantly enhance visa processing for Indian tourists. Additionally, discussions are progressing on establishing direct flight routes between the two nations, a move expected to further boost visitor numbers. Highlighting this, Mancotywa noted, “Travel convenience is a key factor in destination preference, and we are actively working with stakeholders to improve connectivity and simplify entry requirements for Indian travellers.”
With South Africa set to assume the G20 Presidency in 2025, tourism plays a pivotal role in fostering global travel partnerships and driving sustainable growth. Looking ahead, the tourism board remains committed to deepening its presence in India through sustained trade engagement, consumer awareness initiatives, and innovative marketing strategies.