South Africa targets 20% growth in Indian tourists

South African Tourism expects the number of Indians visiting that country to increase annually. During the year ended December 2005, the figure stood at over 37,000.

"In the last one year, airfares to South Africa have fallen by 37 per cent to Rs 22,000 (Rs 35,000). The number of flights to the country from India has also doubled to 29 per week (15). These developments have been a major boost to the tourist flow from India," said Lance B Littlefield, country manager, South African Tourism.

"We are looking at 100 per cent growth. Frequent affordable flights, along with information available through Internet, simplified booking procedures and a host of promotions undertaken by the South African Tourism office here, have contributed to the growth," said Urshila Kerkar, director, Cox & Kings, a travel company.

South African Airlines, Gulf Airways, Etihad, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Air Mauritius and Kenya Airways are the majors operating between India and South Africa.

The South African Tourism (SAT) office was set up in Mumbai a year back. SAT has begun actively promoting South Africa through various media.

The company has tied up with Inox theatre, Shoppers' Stop, Barrista Coffee and Cafe Coffee Day to promote brand South Africa here.

The promotions are done through audio-visuals and on complimentary materials like cups, bags, competitions and incentives.

April to July and October to January are the best periods to visit South Africa. The leisure segment constitutes 80 per cent of the traffic to South Africa, which includes family packages and fully independent travellers. The remaining 20 per cent of the market is corporate travel.

"We would be targeting the 30 crore Indian middle class. We are looking at both the fully independent travellers (FIT) as well as family packages. We are making changes in our holiday packages to to suit the Indian beliefs and practices. For example, the area of food. Numerous exclusive Indian restaurants will be set up in places like Sun City, Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town," said Littlefield.

Indian tourists have begun to look at South Africa after diplomatic relations were established between India and that country post apartheid days after 1994.