South Africa to exceed pre-Covid Indian tourist numbers

South Africa expects to welcome over 99,000 Indian tourists in 2025, surpassing pre-COVID levels. Gcobani Mancotywa, the Regional General Manager for South African Tourism in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, shared these insights during a recent interview. In 2023, South Africa hosted around 79,000 Indian tourists. However, this number dropped to 75,541 in 2024 due to challenges with visa processing. Now, with the new 'Trusted Tour Operators Scheme', the country aims to simplify the visa application process for Indian visitors. Under this scheme, tourists can apply for visas through accredited tour operators. The number of required documents has been reduced, making it easier for travelers. Additionally, South Africa has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to further streamline visa processing. Mancotywa mentioned that discussions are underway to establish direct flight routes between India and South Africa. This move is expected to enhance travel convenience, which is significant for attracting visitors. In recent years, 63 percent of Indian tourists to South Africa came from Mumbai. Other key cities include New Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. Currently, 29 percent of Indian visitors travel for business, while 28 percent visit for leisure. The Indian market has always been a priority for South African Tourism, catering to family, adventure, and luxury travelers. Mancotywa noted a growing interest among travelers over 40, as well as opportunities to engage younger tourists.