India ranks 8th as international source market for South Africa

The Indian market has reportedly shown good numbers for South Africa during 2016 as it closed the year on a successful note with a 27 per cent growth in arrivals that clocked at 81,429 by the end of the third quarter. Overall spends from India crossed ZAR 1,100,000,000 by the end of the third quarter and average spend per leisure traveller was placed at Rs 590,000 indicating that South Africa attracts a variety of pocket-sizes. Market intelligence delivered by trade partners tells the tourism board that the destination sells to travellers with an Rs 1.5 lakh budget as effectively as it appeals to travellers with Rs 10.5 lakh budget. Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager, South African Tourism– India, said, “We want to sustain this growth and also attract return travellers. Going forward, we are going to focus on increasing the geographical scope of the market – our biggest sources are Mumbai and Delhi, followed by Bangalore and Chennai. The average number of nights spent by Indian tourists in South Africa is now at 11 days for holidays and 19 days for business travellers. I reckon that they’re taking some time off to explore South Africa after the conclusion of their work in SA.  VFR is at 21 days average stay.”

The global campaign for 2017 will be rolled out in India through joint marketing campaigns with travel agents, a brand-new Facebook page (Visit South Africa India), television and outdoor advertising campaigns. The Facebook page and all other campaigns will be tailored for India. Travel agents will also undergo destination training and all the aspects that make South Africa amazing through a 17-city Learn SA programme slated for mid-2017.