The South African Tourism board anticipates that India will soon surpass Australia as its leading APAC market for international arrivals. In 2023, South Africa welcomed 75,541 Indian tourists, with Mumbai accounting for 63% of the total. Prior to the pandemic, arrivals from India stood at 99,000 in 2019. Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager for Asia, Australia, and the Middle East at South African Tourism, revealed that the country has recovered over 80% of its pre-pandemic Indian tourist numbers in 2024.
“We project that India will overtake Australia as our top international market in the APAC region, especially with recent visa policy improvements,” said Mancotywa.
India currently ranks among South Africa’s top 10 global inbound markets and is the second-largest in APAC after Australia, followed by China. Discussions are underway to establish direct flight routes between India and South Africa, which could further boost arrivals.
To simplify travel, South African Tourism has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), launched in February 2024 in India and China. Under TTOS, visa processing time for Indian travelers has been reduced to three days, down from the previous five to ten days, with fewer documentation requirements.
While family travel remains steady, there is a growing interest from travelers over 40 exploring South Africa. Additionally, the younger demographic presents a promising opportunity, and the tourism board plans to expand its reach into two Tier-II Indian cities next year. Currently, after Mumbai, Delhi contributes significantly to inbound tourism, with 42.3% of Mumbai travelers combining business and leisure trips.
“As a BRICS member, we see an opportunity to expand business travel from India. The G20 summit this year will also enhance our global visibility,” Mancotywa noted.
Tourism plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economy, contributing 7-8% of the GDP. The tourism board has set a target of 14.9 million international arrivals by 2030, highlighting the industry’s role in economic growth and job creation.
