South African Tourism has upped its marketing campaign across India, expecting a 10-15 per cent growth in Indian tourist arrivals for 2013.

According to the latest arrival figures, the country received 79,306 Indian tourists from January to September in 2012, an increase of 18.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2011. “We expect the figures to cross over one lakh for the year 2012,” said Hanneli Slabber, Country Head of South African Tourism.

India is among the top five tourism source markets for South Africa and therefore, there is a growing focus on further developing and exploring opportunities in this market, she added.

South African Tourism kick-started its annual road show in Mumbai which will travel to cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi to showcase the destination.

The multi-city road show is organised each year to showcase the varied experiences that South Africa has to offer as a holiday destination and to present the latest products and services to the Indian market. There are about 69 South African companies participating this year.

Slabber said that destination weddings have also picked up in South Africa. “Many Indian families have shown interest in having their wedding ceremonies in South Africa. This is an emerging trend we have seen,” she added.

While the rupee depreciation and rising air fares have not impacted the tourist flow, Slabber said that air connectivity to South African destinations remains a challenge. “Only South African Airways has a direct flight from Mumbai. Tourists can, however, take flights via Dubai as well,” she added.

nivedita.ganguly@thehindu.co.in

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