core sector communique

Back by popular demand, South African Tourism commences its second roadshow

~ The roadshow will travel from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Kolkata ~

Kolkata: As South Africa sets to maximize the increasing in-bound tourism potential from India, South African Tourism commenced its second road show on 3^rd September 2012. After successfully travelling across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi, the roadshow concludes in Kolkata today.

Underlining the significance of the Indian market for South Africa and the increasing popularity of the destination in India, this roadshow breaks some new ground by traveling into newer markets and having new attendees and participants. In this roadshow, South African Tourism will aim to promote the country’s varied holiday experiences through its trusted, superior quality products and suppliers.

Following the success of the roadshow held earlier this year and the incredible feedback shared by the stakeholders from South Africa and the Indian travel trade, this roadshow continues to focus on maximizing business opportunities and introductions for the trade partners from India as well as the South African suppliers and representatives. This roadshow is an excellent platform for partners from India and South Africa to interact and identify mutually beneficial areas of collaboration.

The first roadshow held earlier this year, reiterated South African Tourism’s commitment to the Indian market as it traveled across key markets like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Pune with over 62 Suppliers and 135 South African representatives participating in it.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager, South African Tourism India said, “India is a key market for us and the roadshow provides the right opportunity for us to get on the ground, face-to-face with the country's top travel agents to discover and explore newer business possibilities and helps us build on a two-way, win-win opportunity. Taking into account the immense potential showcased by cities like Ahmedabad and Kolkata, we have added them to our roadshow itinerary this time. The popularity of South Africa as a preferred destination can be gauged through the warm response we receive from the Indian trade annually during our roadshow. Needless to say, our recent April arrival figures firm up our belief in this market and further encourages us to undertake varied initiatives to promote the destination in India.”

As per the latest Indian tourist arrival figures for May 2012, Indian tourist arrivals to South Africa saw a jump of 22.3% with a total of 12,641 Indians visiting South Africa.

South African Tourism’s key stakeholders will take part in the roadshow to provide Indian travel agents with insights into current and future developments and general destination information to help them better understand the offerings of South Africa as a preferred travel destination and therefore enabling them to cater to the wide-ranging requirements of Indian travelers.

About South Africa Tourism:-

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed up by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thulani Nzima, Chief Operating Officer Mr. Timothy Scholtz and Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Roshene Singh.