December 5, 2024 | Press Release

South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, alongside South African Tourism CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, is in India to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations and democracy between the two nations. Under the banner “30 Years of Diplomatic Relations, 30 Years of Democracy, and South Africa’s Assumption of the G20 Presidency in 2025,” the visit underscores the nations’ shared history and commitment to future collaboration.

Promising Code-Sharing Partnerships with Indian Airlines
Minister de Lille revealed ongoing discussions with major Indian airlines to establish a code-sharing agreement, enhancing connectivity between India and South Africa. These partnerships aim to strengthen bilateral tourism and trade, offering more seamless travel options for Indian visitors.

To further ease travel, South Africa is launching an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) in January 2025. These initiatives are expected to simplify visa processes and boost Indian tourist arrivals from the current 3.9% to a target of 10% by 2025.

Indian Market: A Growing Priority
India, now the 7th largest overseas market for South Africa, has shown a 43% increase in tourist arrivals from 2023. South African Tourism aims to attract 100,000 Indian visitors by FY 2024-25, with leisure, family, and MICE segments leading the charge. Mumbai contributes the largest share of visitors (64.3%), followed by Delhi.

Key Initiatives and Campaigns

Minister de Lille highlighted the “More & More” brand campaign and multi-city roadshows to engage India’s travel trade. These efforts generated over 160,000 leads in early 2024, demonstrating strong interest in South Africa’s offerings, including wildlife safaris, luxury travel, and adventure tourism.

Economic and Cultural Collaborations
Beyond tourism, Minister de Lille’s visit focuses on strengthening bilateral ties in sectors such as infrastructure, ICT, energy, and agriculture. As South Africa prepares to assume the G20 Presidency in 2025, it seeks to build global partnerships that address challenges like climate change and sustainable development.

South Africa’s Tourism CEO on Growing Ties
“Tourism is a gateway to deeper connections between our nations,” said Nombulelo Guliwe. “We aim to position South Africa as a top destination for Indian travellers, offering unforgettable leisure, adventure, and cultural experiences. Initiatives in visa facilitation and airline partnerships are pivotal to achieving this goal.”

With Indian tourism to South Africa on the rise, and collaborative initiatives gaining momentum, the future of Indo-South African ties looks promising, setting the stage for enriched cultural and economic exchanges.