South Africa wants to attract 1 lakh Indian tourists in 2024

No visa needed from 2024 to visit this African nation, known for its wildlife safaris

"Visas are a problem," Patricia de Lille, who was appointed to her post in March, said in an interview in Bloomberg’s Cape Town office on Thursday. "I see my role as dealing with regulations, the visa issues, regulations around tour operating licenses and then, air access, getting more flights to come to South Africa."

Meanwhile, emphasizing the focus on travellers from tier II cities to increase footfalls from India, Nkani stated, "We hosted over 79,000 Indian travelers in 2023, representing 82 percent of pre-COVID levels. With 95,000 Indian visitors in 2019, we anticipate exceeding 100,000 tourists from India this year."

She highlighted the importance of attracting travelers from tier II cities in India, citing it as critical for growth. "There is immense potential in these cities, and it's imperative for the South African Tourism Board to invest in creating demand and offering compelling experiences," she added. While not disclosing the budget, Nkani mentioned substantial investments in showcasing South Africa through various channels like outdoor advertising, digital media, trade engagements, roadshows, and corporate collaborations.

Regarding target segments, Nkani mentioned a focus on attracting corporate travelers for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE), High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) from tier II cities, millennials, women travelers, and sports enthusiasts.

"We aim for tourists to extend their stays in South Africa and plan to expand our outreach across more regions in India to position the southernmost African country as a compelling destination," she told PTI.