KwaZulu-Natal showcased in India

TOURISM KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) is currently on the marketing trail in India in conjunction with South African Tourism (SAT), with the intention of showcasing KwaZulu-Natal to this market and forging relationships with international tour operators.

The roadshow, which commenced last week, covers five Indian cities, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Mumbai, which are five of the most populous cities in India.

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“Our aim is to raise awareness about the unique KZN tourism experiences and to forge new relations with key trade and tour operators to ensure that this market understands what the province has to offer. Furthermore, this platform enables us to package and sell Destination KZN to prospective travellers,” said Tourism KZN acting chief executive Sibusiso Gumbi.

SAT’s research insights show that the experiences that are most valued among Indian holiday travellers are beautiful scenery and relaxation, wildlife safari, culture and heritage, friendly people and a diversity of experiences. KZN offers all this and more.

“Ties between KZN and India run deep in our history. The Freedom Route enables visitors to walk in the footsteps of political icons, such as Ghandi, from his home in Inanda, where he shared his belief in passive resistance, and to his statue. Moreover, KZN has the second-largest Indian population outside of India and is well known for its world-class Indian cuisine and rich culture.

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Currently, India is ranked as South Africa’s sixth-largest international source market and, in 2023, grew by a remarkable 43.7% over 2022 to reach over 80 000 tourists nationally and exceeded the annual target.

“However, KZN only has a 20% share of this market, but if we look at our offerings and what we know this market wants, we see great potential in substantially growing this figure. Growing our international tourist arrivals in various key international markets is part of our strategic focus,” said Gumbi.

TKZN is confident that it is beginning to see some returns in its engagements in various international tourism markets and exhibitions. Therefore, we are confident that, as KZN, we will see more arrivals from India who will be keen to experience our destination,” concluded Gumbi.

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