South Africa eyes double digit growth in Indian arrivals

South Africa is looking at a double digit growth in the number of Indians visiting the country in 2015 on the back of multiple initiatives, including targeting travellers from smaller cities and towns.
"We are expecting a double digit growth in Indian travellers visiting South Africa this year. India is a very important market for us," South African Tourism Country Manager India Hanneli Slabber told PTI.
For this many initiatives have been taken to promote South Africa as an attractive destination. South Africa's spectacular scenery, friendly people, world class infrastructure make it one of the most desired destinations, she added.

Slabber was speaking on the sidelines of the Tourism and Investment Conference 2015 organised here.
About 1,22,000 Indians, excluding non resident Indians, visited South Africa in 2013.
"Streamlining the visa process and targeting tier II cities apart from the metros and major centres are some of the major initiatives we are taking. South Africa is also offering a wide choice of vegetarian fare for the Indian visitors," Slabber said.

The country is also packaging South Africa as an attractive destination specific to various cities within India, she added.
When asked about the segment wise visitors from India to South Africa, Slabber said: "50 per cent of the visitors are from MICE segment. 25 per cent comprise leisure travellers while 25 per cent are corporates."

India is also an important market because of the average length of the stay. For holidays it is 12 days and for MICE and corporates it is five days, she added.
In October this year a new campaign will also be launched in India to promote South Africa, Slabber said.
Highlighting that easing of visa norms will add to the Indians visiting South Africa, South Africa Deputy High Commissioner in India M W Mogale said: "Process for easing the visa restrictions will lead to increase in number of travellers. India is already the third largest market in Asia."
"The new immigration policy gives business executives from BRICS countries a visa up to 10 years, India has been identified as one of the emerging countries that can contribute to the growth of tourism sector and inward investment in South Africa," South Africa Minister Counsellor Economic India Stefanus Botes said.