South African Tourism Underscores MICE Opportunities at Corporate Think Tank Event in Chennai 2024.
Corporate MICE Think Tank
Solidifying its commitment to India’s business and MICE travel market, South African Tourism took forward its 5-city Corporate MICE Think Tank Series on 15th March 2024, with its fourth edition in the series at the newly refurbished Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels on Cathedral Road, Chennai.
From Chennai on 15th March 2024, the Corporate MICE Think Tank Series will conclude with its final session in Hyderabad on 22nd March 2024, at ITC Kohenur.
Led by Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South-East Asia, South African Tourism, the Corporate Think Tanks are created to be interactive, encouraging participation and discussion among attendees.
Now in its third year, the Corporate MICE activation series has notably succeeded in positioning itself as a vital platform for nurturing business relationships and uncovering opportunities for corporate events in South Africa. Programs like the Corporate Think Tank sessions play a crucial role in building immediate brand recognition, tapping into the growing demand for Corporate MICE tourism.
South African Tourism overarching MICE strategy
These efforts align with the South African Tourism Board’s overarching strategy, fostering direct interaction with pivotal corporate travel decision-makers to address their unique requirements.
Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South-East Asia, South African Tourism said, ” Understanding the value of efficiency, South African Tourism ensures the rapid issuance of corporate visas in 5-7 working days, ensuring smooth travel planning for companies. This efficient method demonstrates the nation’s dedication to accommodating the changing demands of Indian businesses and providing effortless travel opportunities. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector presents substantial opportunities for both India and South Africa. Through initiatives such as the Corporate Think Tank, South African Tourism seeks to harness the increasing interest in MICE travel from India, thus promoting enduring development in this arena.
She went on to say, “India has been a long-standing ally to South Africa, and it is heartening to witness the friendship materialising in an economically beneficial partnership for both the nations. The country has been fast climbing up the ladder of outbound tourism and emerged among the leading contributors to the travel and tourism sector from Asia. On the back of strengthening demand, we hope to continue building on the MICE travel momentum from India in 2024.”
India emerges as a key market for South African Tourism
India emerges as a crucial market for South Africa’s inbound incentive travel, showing significant growth after past events. The Corporate Think Tank sessions are vital for South African Tourism to effectively assess and meet the corporate travel needs of Indian companies. These sessions allow for direct dialogue with corporate leaders, enhancing established connections.
Thanks to favourable exchange rates against the USD and GBP, South Africa stands out as an affordable and accessible option, making it an attractive international choice. The tourism board has observed a rising trend of Indian companies opting for South Africa for incentive travel, amid a growing corporate emphasis on these programs.
Organized by OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd, these Corporate MICE Think Tank sessions are designed to engage and promote an open exchange of ideas between participants and South African Tourism.
These sessions gain importance as outbound tourism from India experiences a boom, with a particular emphasis on the burgeoning MICE travel sector. The conversations covered a range of subjects, such as South Africa’s ability to host corporate travellers and its distinctive advantages for incentive travel.
Said Neliswa Nkanai, “India emerges as a key market for South African Tourism, securing its position within the top three growth markets due to its impressive performance and resilience over recent years.”
She added, ” India plays a critical role in achieving the tourism board’s objectives for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visitor numbers from India.”
The 2024 Corporate Think Tank in Chennai presented an excellent chance for South African tourism authorities to engage directly with leading MICE purchasers from the Chennai region.
In her keynote speech, Neliswa Nkani highlighted the immense possibilities that South Africa holds as a MICE destination. The event facilitated meaningful conversations between South African tourism officials and corporate buyers regarding important topics such as visa processes, airfare costs, and the variety of MICE facilities in South Africa, including hotels and convention centres, enhancing mutual comprehension and paving the way for business collaborations.
Known for its varied terrains, thrilling adventures, and rich wildlife, South Africa provides a wide range of experiences for those attending incentive trips, encompassing everything from surfing and safaris to road trips and scenic wonders, all within a week. Acknowledging the importance of rapid visa issuance, South African Tourism guarantees fast processing of corporate visa applications. The country boasts a successful history of fulfilling the MICE travel requirements of prominent Indian companies.
Facilitated by Kamal Gill, Managing Director of OptiMICE Events Pvt Ltd, the conversation expanded to include future employee engagement strategies, the allure of South Africa for MICE groups, assistance from the tourism board, and possible activities for MICE groups in the coming times.
India continues to be a key market for South African Tourism, standing as one of the top three markets in terms of growth. As India’s key metropolitan city, Chennai is instrumental in reaching the tourism board’s objectives for MICE arrivals from India.
Last year, South Africa saw 79,774 visitors from India, a 43% rise from the previous year. Out of these, 46% travelled for business, with 21% attending meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), highlighting its potential.
To sustain this momentum, South African Tourism is taking steps to enhance accessibility and foster discussions for direct flight connections, intending to boost tourism and commercial exchange between the two nations.
About South African Tourism:
South African Tourism is the tourism marketing arm of the South African government. Simply put, their job is to promote the country domestically and internationally, whether for leisure, business, or events tourism. As a government body, they are committed to meaningfully contributing to the South African government’s objectives of inclusive economic growth, sustainable job creation, and redistribution and transformation of the industry.
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