Sa Eyes Record Growth From Indian Market
South African Tourism has set an ambitious goal to increase Indian tourist arrivals to 10 of total international visitors in the upcoming 2025/26 financial year. Currently, Indian travellers make up just 3.9 of total arrivals.
For the 2024/25 financial year, the organisation is aiming to welcome 100 000 Indian visitors to South Africa, building on the 79 774 arrivals recorded in 2023. This represents a significant leap from 2022 with a 43 year-on-year increase driven by post-pandemic recovery and the success of SAT's More More campaign launched in India in 2022.
From January to October 2024, before peak season, 57992 Indian tourists explored South Africa, indicating strong momentum towards achieving this milestone.
Gcobani Mancotywa , SA Tourism Regional General Manager: Asia/Australasia/Middle East, is confident South Africa will reach the India arrivals goals through its targeted campaigns and the launch of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme TTOS this month January, which will streamline visa processing for group travellers.
'The Indian market holds immense potential for South Africa, but certain challenges have impacted the ease of travel from India most notably visa accessibility and air connectivity. However, during the recent visit to India by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille , we made considerable progress in addressing these concerns. To simplify the visa process, South Africa will soon introduce an electronic travel authorisation system allowing travellers to apply for visas online. This, together with the TTOS, will ensure faster approvals and an enhanced traveller experience.'