Led by Ms. Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), the Ahmedabad event served as a strategic platform for collaboration, market insights, and business expansion. The roadshow featured over 40 exhibitors showcasing a diverse portfolio of South African tourism products and experiences, attracting more than 250 travel trade professionals from the city.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Karmarkar highlighted India’s strategic significance, stating that the country remains a priority growth market for South Africa. She noted a visible shift in Indian traveller behaviour, with increasing interest in family travel, experiential holidays, and premium segments. Travellers are now planning differently—leveraging AI-powered tools for trip research and customisation, travelling more frequently, and showing greater curiosity to explore destinations beyond traditional favourites.
She further emphasised that Ahmedabad has emerged as an important source market, with both leisure and business travellers displaying strong interest in immersive, experience-led journeys. Travellers from the city are increasingly confident in exploring long-haul destinations and seek a blend of culture, wildlife, nature, and business-leisure combinations.
Wildlife safaris continue to be a major draw for Indian travellers, alongside South Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. In response to evolving preferences, South African Tourism is actively working with trade partners to highlight lesser-known regions and curated experiences, strengthening the destination’s appeal across segments.
The roadshow will next travel to Kolkata on 11 February 2026, further expanding outreach and trade engagement. South Africa aims to return to pre-COVID levels of Indian tourist arrivals by 2026 and is committed to building long-term partnerships with Indian stakeholders.
Looking ahead, the country is also set to host the 2027 ODI World Cup, presenting a significant opportunity to showcase its tourism offerings to global audiences. Through sustained trade collaborations, targeted consumer outreach, and innovative marketing initiatives, South Africa continues to position itself as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers in the coming years.
