South African Tourism successfully concluded the third leg of its 10th edition of the Learn South Africa workshop in Kochi on Friday, following earlier events in Chandigarh and Nagpur. The initiative aimed to engage over 100 key travel trade partners, particularly from India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities, by highlighting South Africa’s lesser-known destinations alongside its iconic spots such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. The workshop showcased hidden gems like the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal, providing travel agents with insights to craft customized itineraries catering to the diverse interests of Indian travellers.
India remains a significant source market for South Africa, with a noticeable rise in interest from cities like Kochi. Indian travellers are increasingly seeking unique experiences, ranging from adventure and wellness to cultural explorations. The workshop addressed this demand by equipping travel professionals with tools and knowledge to design tailored travel packages. Commenting on the event, Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager for Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East at South African Tourism, noted a growing preference among Kochi travellers for experiential travel, wellness tourism, and adventure activities. He highlighted that inquiries for offbeat and unique experiences from this region have surged in the first half of 2024. Mancotywa also emphasized that collaboration with local trade partners has been highly effective, reinforcing South Africa’s strategy to showcase its diverse and enriching experiences beyond the usual hotspots.
Kochi has emerged as a key market for South African tourism, with its travellers contributing significantly to the growth of leisure and business travel. Business travellers currently account for 46% of Indian arrivals, while 19% visit friends and relatives (VFR). The favourable exchange rate—1 South African Rand equaling approximately 4.5 Indian Rupees—further enhances South Africa’s appeal as a cost-effective destination.
The Learn South Africa workshops align with South African Tourism’s strategic vision of positioning the Rainbow Nation as a premier destination for leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel. By expanding its focus to tier-2 cities like Kochi, the tourism board aims to attract more Indian travellers to explore the lesser-known regions of South Africa while strengthening its partnerships with travel trade professionals. The success of the 10th edition underscores South Africa’s commitment to growing its footprint in India and establishing itself as a versatile and sought-after destination.
