SA Tourism’s annual roadshow in India declared a success

{ Posted on Aug 12 2013 by B-man }
Categories : Travel news

South African Tourism's annual four-city roadshow in India saw 27 of the country's leading tourism products conclude business deals with more than 1 200 travel trade representatives in Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi and Ahmadabad.

The success of previous Indian roadshows has driven growth of 17.2% (56 911 tourists) in Indian arrivals over the period January to November 2009.

The recent trip involved Sun International, Royal African Discoveries, ERM Tours, Thompsons Africa and Peermont Hotels, as well as Taj Hotels and Resorts, the Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa and Illios.

The official mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Zakumi, was in attendance at the various events to promote the upcoming soccer event.

Feedback from previous trips indicated interest in South Africa from trade beyond Mumbai and New Delhi. As a result, the 2010 tour extended to Ahmadabad and Chennai, providing South African delegates with access to India's regional markets.

Medha Sampat, India country manager at SA Tourism, says: "Our annual roadshows have become sought-after networking opportunities. This industry is driven by relationships, and our roadshows offer both visiting exhibitors and the travel trade the ideal opportunity and forum to make important business contacts and to use those contacts to both buy and sell destination South Africa in India."

Rob Hetem, shareholder and director of Tamrich Tours, adds. "We have enjoyed increased referral business out of India these last five years or so. This is our first time at a South African Tourism destination exhibition in India. I'm glad we came. It's been very useful and great for business."

Minaxi Mistry of the Mantis Collection, who was also in India for the first time, says the roadshow gave Mantis an "excellent introduction to a highly lucrative market".

SA Tourism will continue post-roadshow marketing in India, including an outdoor advertising campaign in 17 Indian cities. The campaign will reach beyond Mumbai and Delhi to the fast-growing regional markets through partnerships with Indian media groups.

These partners are using material from two travel guides that SA Tourism has introduced to the Indian market. One of the travel guides focuses on experiences for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and the other focuses on luxury leisure holiday offerings.

SA Tourism is investing heavily in relationships with and education of the Indian travel trade to make it easier for them to sell South Africa to their customers.

The destination marketing organisation is also set to launch a new destination education programme to the trade shortly - Learn South Africa - to further build profitable relationships in India.

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