A high powered delegation from South African Tourism lead by Hon’ble Tourism Minister of South Africa, H.E. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane interacted with corporate leaders at the MTM Corporate Think Tank, powered by South Africa Tourism.
The elite Corporate interaction focussed on exploring new opportunities in MICE rich destinations in South Africa at ITC Maratha, Mumbai.
Highlighting South Africa as a preferred MICE destination, the South Africa Tourism Board partnered with OptiMICE Events Private Limited to organise a roundtable discussion with leading corporates in the country. The discussion centred on exploring new destinations while planning MICE, Luxury and Leisure movements.
The Think Tank, powered by South African Tourism, was held in Mumbai on January 15, 2020. The occasion was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister of South Africa, H.E. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.
The high powered delegation also included Dr. Marwala, Advisor to the Minister; Ravi Nadasen, Chair, South African Tourism; Sthembiso Dlamini, Head, Tourism Execution, South African Tourism; Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head, MEISEA, South African Tourism; Nompumelelo Madlala, PA to the Minister, Department of Tourism; Blessings Manale, Chief Director, Communications Department of Tourism; Takalani Sithi, Deputy Director Asia and Australasia Department of Tourism; Andrea Kuhn, South African Consulate General, and Dean Hoff, South African Consulate General.
Strategy for the Indian Market
The visit of the newly appointed South African Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, along with the COO, had an important purpose and mission. It was meant to chart out the tourism board’s India-specific growth strategy for the New Year.
As South African Tourism sets its sights on doubling international tourist arrivals from 10.5 million to 21 million by 2030, India is expected to play a significant role in achieving this long-term goal.
From January to October 2019, the destination welcomed 81,316 Indian visitors to South Africa — a 5.48% year-on-year (YoY) increase. The average length of stay saw an 8% YoY increase in the first half of 2019 from 25 nights to 27 nights. Total Indian traveller spends in the first half of 2019 were at a 4-year high with South African Tourism achieving 64% of its annual spends target within this period.
Key Announcements
In 2019, South Africa piloted a new e-visa system in New Zealand. On successful completion, the intention is to begin rolling-out e-visas in other countries, with India being among top priority markets.
With the aim to further stimulate travel and tourism from India, the Minister indicated that the piloting of e-visas for the market was under serious consideration and would be initiated shortly. This comes close on the heels of an initiative launched in 2018 pre-vetted visas for top tour operators to fast-track visa processing.
In November 2019, the South African Minister of Home Affairs announced that the country was doing away, with immediate effect, the need for unabridged birth certificates previously required by minors visiting from international countries.
South African Hon. Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane announced, “South Africa has taken several measures to provide ease of access to Indian tourists including bringing changes in the visa regime.”
She added, “The online visa application system pilot testing will happen from next week and if the pilot project goes without any glitch, a full roll out will take place from 1st April 2020. We have a positive outlook for the India market and are also in talks with India for granting multiple-entry visa to South Africa.”
Promoting MICE and sports tourism
The Minister said, “MICE and sports tourism are predicted to drive arrivals growth for South Africa. South Africa has also emerged as a popular wedding destination for Indians.”
She continued, “The South African government is also exploring interests from third country airlines willing to operate direct flights on the India-South Africa routes and any relevant proposals would be discussed with the Indian government.”
From January to September 2019, MICE accounted for 24% of the Indian traveller visits. 43% of overall Indian arrivals to South Africa were repeat visitors.
2019 witnessed a 36.6% increase in Indian traveller spends on shopping and a 26% increase in spends on leisure activities in South Africa.
The presentation and key announcements were followed by an interactive discussion, after which cocktails and dinner were announced. This networking evening was a great success, with top corporates praising the Hon’ble Minister for her unique initiatives dedicated to promoting tourism to South Africa.
Read More: News
