Building on the momentum generated at OTM Mumbai, South African Tourism successfully concluded the Bengaluru leg of its Annual India Roadshow, reaffirming India’s growing importance as a key source market. The multi-city initiative aims to strengthen partnerships with the Indian travel trade while unlocking new opportunities across leisure, corporate, and MICE travel segments.
Led by Ms. Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), the Bengaluru roadshow brought together more than 40 South African exhibitors and witnessed strong participation from over 235 travel trade professionals. The platform enabled direct engagement, knowledge exchange, and discussions around evolving Indian traveller preferences, positioning South Africa as a versatile and future-ready destination.
The roadshow forms part of a broader, focused outreach across major Indian cities. Following Bengaluru, the initiative will move to Ahmedabad on 10 February 2026, continuing efforts to deepen collaboration and stimulate outbound travel from India to South Africa.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Karmarkar highlighted the changing dynamics of Indian travel. “India continues to be a priority growth market for South African Tourism, driven by strong demand for family travel, experiential holidays, and premium experiences. Indian travellers are increasingly using AI-powered tools to research and personalise their journeys, travelling more intentionally, and showing greater curiosity for destinations beyond traditional favourites. This evolution presents a significant opportunity to showcase South Africa’s lesser-known regions and immersive experiences,” she said.
She also emphasised Bengaluru’s strategic importance. “Bengaluru has emerged as one of South Africa’s key source markets in India. Travellers from the city are digitally savvy, experience-driven, and increasingly confident in choosing long-haul destinations. Through this roadshow, we aim to strengthen engagement with the local travel trade and enhance South Africa’s relevance in this high-potential market.”
With a strong base of frequent international travellers, Bengaluru continues to show robust demand for premium leisure, adventure, and wildlife tourism. Safaris remain a strong draw, while travellers increasingly seek personalised itineraries that balance iconic attractions with offbeat experiences.
South African Tourism is targeting a return to pre-Covid Indian arrival numbers in 2026 and remains focused on building long-term partnerships with Indian trade stakeholders. The upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup, to be hosted in South Africa, is also expected to create new momentum by showcasing the country’s diverse tourism offerings to a global audience.
Through sustained trade engagement, targeted consumer outreach, and innovative marketing initiatives, South African Tourism continues to strengthen its presence in India and inspire more travellers to explore the Rainbow Nation.
About South African Tourism:
South African Tourism is the official tourism marketing agency of the South African government, responsible for promoting the country domestically and internationally for leisure, business, and events tourism. The organisation is committed to driving inclusive economic growth, sustainable job creation, and transformation within the tourism sector.
Website: www.southafrica.net
