Following the conclusion of its annual India 2024 Expo, South African Tourism has launched the third edition of its travel promotion initiative, the Corporate Think Tank. After its inaugural event in Mumbai on February 2 and its second chapter in Delhi on February 23, the event recently concluded its third chapter in Bengaluru, the IT capital of India, on March 7. It is now preparing to arrive in Chennai on March 15 and Hyderabad on March 22, 2024.
India is among the largest markets contributing to South Africa’s inbound travel incentives. Demonstrating marked success since the previous editions, the Corporate Think Tank programs have emerged as the primary platform for South African tourism to understand and simplify the corporate travel needs of Indian businesses. Hosting such events allows the tourism board to connect with decision makers and strengthen its relationships. Thanks to attractive exchange rates compared to USD ($1 = approximately INR 82.70) and GBP (£1 = approximately INR 105.50), the Rainbow Nation remains one of the most accessible and affordable international destinations, with 1 ZAR valued at only INR 4.40 approx. In addition, the tourism board has noticed a visible appetite for South Africa as an incentive destination amid increased focus on such travel programs by Indian corporates.
Led by Neliswa Nkani, Middle East, India and South East Asia Center Head, South African Tourism, the corporate think tanks have been specially selected to be highly interactive and encourage attendees to engage in healthy, free-flowing discussion. At a time when outbound tourism from India is firing on all cylinders, engagement sessions like these help lay the groundwork for rapid recall and are specifically aimed at capitalizing on the growing demand in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions travel segment . Conversations during the session touched on a variety of topics from South Africa’s infrastructure to accommodate corporate travelers, closed-door meetings and workshops to the destination’s USP of incentive guided travel.
Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South East Asia, South Africa Tourism said: “Today, South Africa stands out as a preferred premium yet good destination for holding vital business events for corporates from India and the surrounding world. Our recent successful hosting of the BRICS Summit serves as a testament to Rainbow Nation’s world-class capabilities in supporting large-scale conventions as well as intimate corporate gatherings.”
She further added, “India has been a long-standing ally of South Africa and it is heartening to witness the materialization of the friendship into an economically beneficial partnership for both nations. The country is rapidly climbing up the outbound tourism ladder and is emerging as one of the leading players in the travel and tourism sector from Asia. Against the backdrop of growing demand, we look forward to continuing to build on the momentum of MICE travel from India in 2024.”
South Africa boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, thrilling over 3,000 adventure activities designed for millennials and mesmerizing wildlife encounters. Employees arriving on incentive trips are given many opportunities, from surfing through wildlife safaris, traveling famous routes or enjoying the natural beauty of the nation, all within a week. Understanding the importance of fast turnaround, South African Tourism processes corporate visas within 5-7 working days. The country has a brilliant track record and has successfully catered to the MICE travel needs of prominent Indian corporates in India in the past.
India occupies a position of strategic importance for South African tourism and has established itself among the top three growth markets. The country’s growth in recent years has outpaced many nations and shown remarkable resilience. Being the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is a city of prime importance in realizing the tourism board’s objectives for MICE arrivals from India. Among the total inbound traffic from Bengaluru in 2023, 53 percent of visitors chose Rainbow Nation for their business travel needs. Taking a multi-pronged approach, the tourism board also held its annual India Expo 2024 in the city to tap Bengaluru’s vibrant leisure travel market.
Overall, South Africa welcomed 79,774 Indian tourists last year, marking a 43 percent increase in visitors from India year-on-year. It should be noted that 46 percent of all travelers were motivated by business travel, of which MICE alone attracted 21 percent, signifying its major potential. To further enhance this momentum, the tourism board will continue its efforts to improve accessibility and promote dialogues aimed at establishing a direct air link to promote tourism and trade between the two nations. In an effort to provide added value to travelers coming to the Rainbow Nation, the tourism board is also running a campaign in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines offering round trip tickets to South Africa starting at just INR 39,990/-.
